Facelift Variations Explained
No one can completely escape the fact that with age comes undesired changes to the muscle, fat, and skin on the face. Your options include steps to feel more confident about your looks with cosmetic treatments, such as facelift surgery. To that end, Philadelphia’s Dr. Timothy Greco and his team remind patients that there are various types of facelifts, neck lifts, and other facial plastic surgery procedures that can be performed, depending on what a patient hopes to achieve. The options—which include an S-lift and anterior cervicoplasty—depend on both patient and doctor preferences, as well as the current state of facial tissues and the desired goals.
In addition to changes that happen naturally due to aging skin, the pull of gravity, genetics, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, heavy smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, excessive cardiovascular exercise, and other factors can contribute to unwanted facial changes. The fat pads in the skin become thinner, the skin stretches and pulls away from underlying tissue, and the connective structures that keep skin elevated and tight begin to gradually unravel.
Despite what the name might imply, a traditional facelift (rhytidectomy) does not encompass the entire face. This surgery is mainly focused on the lower two-thirds of the face: the cheeks, midface, and jawline areas. A facelift corrects prominent jowls, sagging, and deep nasolabial folds between the nose and mouth. For patients who want to address changes on the upper area of the face, around the eyes and forehead, a brow lift (which can be included in a facelift) and/or eyelid lift is the better option.
Note that the facelift procedure is designed to manipulate skin, fat, and other tissue but won’t improve the look of finer wrinkles, spots, or the general quality of the skin. The surgery does deliver some of the most significant and long-lasting results of all facial procedures. Ideal candidates for facelifts are patients in a good state of general emotional and physical health who maintain realistic expectations and have relatively strong bone structure and skin elasticity.
In a neck lift, otherwise known as a lower rhytidectomy, a surgeon creates a more youthful-looking neck by a process of excising or repositioning fat and skin and tightening muscles. While a neck lift can be administered on its own as a standalone procedure for those who are only seeking to correct this isolated area, it is most often combined with a full facelift for optimized results.
The term “jowls” is used to describe drooping, stretched skin around the chin and jaw. If your main goal is to get rid of this sagging tissue, a less invasive, more conservative version of the facelift, known as an S-lift, can be used to create a sharper, more defined jawline.
Each doctor may have a unique approach to facelift procedures. For Timothy M. Greco, MD, PC, an S-lift, involves smaller S-shaped incisions made around the ear at the side of the face so that some of the SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) layer can be slightly repositioned. An S-lift is a more modern technique associated with less risks, less scarring, and a shorter recovery time compared to the traditional facelift. This is a popular option among younger patients—but note that it will not improve a sagging neck.
Anterior cervicoplasty is a less common form of neck lift, designed for reduced scars. It addresses loose neck muscles, a double chin, and weathered skin. Patients who are self-conscious about having a “turkey neck” can benefit from this approach. The surgeon makes a z-plasty incision at the front of the neck to minimize excess fat and skin while tightening the neck bands.
Considering a facelift for a more youthful appearance? Facial plastic surgeon Dr. Timothy Greco and staff can guide you through the process. For questions, inquiries, or to schedule a consultation, reach out to Timothy M. Greco, MD, PC, directly at (610) 664-8830, or send a message online.