Facelift Procedures
Sagging skin, jowling, lines and wrinkles contribute to the appearance of facial aging. If you would like to see a more refreshed, youthful appearance, it’s time to talk to Dr. Summers – he is one of the few plastic surgeons in the country who specializes in minimally invasive facial rejuvenation. With more than TEN different types of facelift procedures, he is an expert in helping people look better quickly!
Facelift Introduction
Dr. Summers is a nationally recognized specialist in facial rejuvenation, and he would love to speak with you about helping you achieve a natural, more youthful appearance.
Dr. Summers developed the first minimally invasive One Hour Facelift that has been proven to last for years, he has been performing liquid facelift treatments for over 10 years and has advanced training in various injectable facelift treatments, and he developed laser facelift protocols. With so many different options to choose from, we suggest that you schedule a consultation to see how he can address your particular concerns.
NOTE: All of the following facial rejuvenation procedures can be performed without “going to sleep” for the procedure and with minimal downtime!
Throughout one’s life, sun damage, stress, gravity, and other factors cause the skin to sag and fit more loosely. Areas of the face and neck, in particular around the jaw line, are especially prone to the aging process. Though these changes are gradual, wrinkles and other signs of aging can make individuals “look older” than they really are.
Dr. Summers began development of the SMART Facelift in 1996. Now, over 20 years later, he has treated thousands of patients. As the leading expert in this minimally invasive procedure, he continues to refine the procedure. Many of his patients are enjoying results lasting more than 10 years.
Types of Facelifts
To reverse the visible signs of aging, obtain smooth skin, and regain a youthful appearance, patients will have one of the following types of facelift procedures:
- Liquid Facelift
- Laser Facelift
- SMART Facelift
- Mini-facelift
- Full Facelift
Each of these facelift procedures involves restoring natural, youthful features. In most cases the soft tissue is manipulated to provide extra volume, and in other cases the removal of excess fat deposits is required.
Facelift Goals
With a facelift:
- Loose and wrinkled skin will be smoothed.
- Sagging jowls will be eliminated.
- Sagging cheeks will be improved.
- Deep lines running from the nose to the mouth (nasolabial fold) will be reduced.
- The results will typically last from 5 – 15 years.
- The incisions are well hidden to minimize or eliminate the potential for visible scars.
Procedure Limitations:
- A face lift will not alter your forehead or eye area. Low brows, excess eyelid skin and “bagging” require additional procedures such as a browlift and eyelid lift (blepharoplasty).
- Fine wrinkles due to thin skin and will require skin treatments to smooth out and thicken the skin.
- A facelift will not improve lines around the lips – this requires treatment with a “filler” and/or resurfacing.
Facelift Procedure
Suture Suspension Lift (“Threadlift”, “Featherlift”):
As one of the originators of the Suture Suspension Lift procedure, Dr. Summers has extensive experience with Threadlift facelift procedures. He has developed a multiplanar technique which differs from that of other surgeons and provides a stable long-term result. With Dr. Summers’ one-hour facelift (the MOST Facelift), a small incision is made above the ear in the hairline – the resulting incision heals without a visible scar. Through this one-inch incision, Dr. Summers insert permanent sutures that elevate the cheek, jowl, and neck. For more information about the Threadlift facelift, visit Dr. Summers’ 1-Hour-Facelift website. This procedure is always done under local anesthesia, but sedation is available if desired. The Threadlift facelift is typically completed in under one hour.
Mini-Facelift (“S-Lift”, “Quicklift”):
Dr. Summers was one of the first surgeons in the region to perform mini-facelift procedures. The mini-facelift procedure had been described years previously as a skin-only procedure, but was abandoned by many surgeons due to a lack of long-term results. Dr. Summers modified the mini-facelift in 1999 with tightening of the lateral SMAS (the thick layer of tissue under the facial skin). Variations of this procedure have subsequently been marketed by other surgeons as the Lifestyle Lift® and the Quicklift procedures. The mini-facelift is a “true” facelift procedure and involves an incision in front of the ear to remove excess skin. Although this procedure can be performed under a local anesthesia (numbing of the skin only), most patients elect to have IV sedation for a mini facelift. The mini facelift is typically completed in under two hours. (Note: Lifestyle Lift® is the registered trademark of Lifestyle Lift Holding, Inc. Neither Maryland Plastic Surgery nor Dr. Summers are affiliated with Lifestyle Lift Holding, Inc.)
Full Facelift (SMAS Lift):
Dr. Summers’ standard procedure for a full SMAS facelift involves making small incisions just inside the hairline, following the contour in front of the ear, and continuing under the earlobe to the backside of the ear and up to the scalp. Tissue and fat deposits are separated, the skin is stretched and tightened, and any excess skin is removed. The SMAS layer (the thick layer of tissue under the facial skin) is tightened with permanent sutures. If the neck line requires attention, an additional incision is made under the chin and the same procedure is followed again. Minuscule stitches are used to close the incisions and to reduce the chance of scarring. Many patients choose to fall asleep with a general anesthetic for a full SMAS facelift, although IV sedation may be used. A full SMAS facelift may take from 2-4 hours (or longer) depending on whether other cosmetic procedures are completed at the same time.