CosBeauty Magazine #81

Enhancement
Types of
facelifts
Advances in surgical procedures and
technology mean there are several
different facelift types and techniques
available today. They are designed to
address your individual needs more
specifically, helping to ensure optimal
and natural-looking results.
SMAS lift
The SMAS (Superficial
Musculoaponeurotic System)
technique concentrates on the thin
underlying connective tissue and
muscle layer called the superficial
musculoaponeurotic system, as well
as repositioning and removing excess
skin. Tightening this foundational
tissue gives a smoother and improved
shape without noticeable tension
in the skin. This type of facelift is
generally considered to be the gold
standard in facelift surgery today.
Extended SMAS lift
An extended SMAS lift separates
the SMAS from the underlying facial
structures more extensively towards
the nose and upper lip compared
with the SMAS lift. This can address
age-related changes in the nasolabial
area (around the nose and mouth)
more than the traditional SMAS lift;
however increasing the amount of
SMAS lifted also increases the risks of
complications, such as skin necrosis.
Deep plane lift
A deep plane facelift is designed to
reshape the entire face, including
the upper and lower eyelids, the
brow and the neck, by lifting facial
tissues, fat, muscle and skin in one
continuous section. Because the
dissection is deep, the flap is thicker
than in the SMAS method. This
procedure is more invasive than other
methods and may require a longer
recovery period.
Subperiosteal lift
Commonly performed with the aid
of an endoscope, the subperiosteal
lift is designed to reposition skin,
fat and muscle simultaneously since
the tissues tend to sag together, not
individually. This type of facelift
releases tissues off the bony layer,
separating the bone from all of the
tissues covering it. There is more
swelling with the subperiosteal lift
than with more superficial lifts, due
to the depth of the dissection. It also
usually causes more swelling and takes
longer to recover.
Composite lift
The composite facelift is similar to
a deep plane lift, with the addition
of an extra step to include the
muscle around the lower eyelid. The
orbicularis oculi muscle (around the
eye) is separated from its attachment
to the cheekbone through an
incision in the lower eyelid and then
lifted and sutured into place. The
composite facelift essentially involves
elevation and resection of the SMAS
layer, orbicularis muscle and cheek fat
pad. There is typically more swelling
with the composite lift than with
more superficial lifts.
S-Lift
The S-Lift is a type of facelift named
after the S-shaped incision made in
the hairline at the temple and in front
of the ear. The SMAS and attaching
skin is usually elevated as one unit
and only excess skin is removed. The
best candidates for an S-Lift are those
who do not have significant skin
laxity of the neck and jowls. It is most
suited to patients beginning to show
signs of facial ageing and want some
tightening of the lower face without
longer incisions.
Mini-lift
This type of facelift typically refers
to any limited-incision facelift,
usually with a quicker recovery
time compared with other more
invasive techniques. Also referred
to as a MACS Lift (Minimal Access
Cranial Suspension) and the shortscar
facelift, it is typically suited for
patients with early signs of ageing,
usually aged in their 30s and 40s,
to achieve a natural-looking facial
rejuvenation. During a mini-lift, the
surgeon usually makes a short incision
on the front side of the ear. Via this
incision, deep plicating sutures lift
the deep tissues and the extra skin is
then removed. Due to its less invasive
approach, this type of facelift typically
offers less recovery time and a lower
risk of complications.
Thread lift
A minimally invasive alternative
to a surgical facelift is the thread
lift. Thread lifting elevates the soft
tissues of the face using specially
designed internal sutures and can
deliver subtle yet effective results
for the right candidate. The
procedure involves the use of
multiple fine biocompatible
threads to lift and support sagging
skin on the face and neck. Tiny
‘nicks’ are made to the skin, which
are hidden in the sideburn area.
Threads are then looped to the
sagging soft tissues that support the
face and neck, lifting and anchoring
the facial tissue to an elevated, more
youthful position.
Once in position, the body
generates new collagen that
surrounds each thread to maintain
the lifting effect. The threads dissolve
within nine to 12 months, while
maintaining the revitalising and
lifting effect for several years to
come. The procedure is typically
performed under local anaesthetic
and usually takes around one hour to
perform. Patients can usually return
home within one to two hours after
the procedure.
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