The deeper you get into research on facelift surgery, the more you may realize that there isn’t just one type of facelift for every patient. Facial plastic surgery is a deeply nuanced and complex undertaking, which is why a facial plastic surgeon must have extensive training and a diverse toolbox of skills.
There are, however, different “types” of facelift surgery that can be divided based on their ability to tackle different depths of tissue and address varying degrees of aging. While some patients only need a subtle refresh, others with extensive signs of facial aging will need to dive deeper into the face and reposition some of the most fundamental structures.
In this blog, we’ll discuss three different types of facelift surgery: the standard facelift, the microlift, and the deep plane facelift. Each lift has its own benefits and potential drawbacks, but when you choose the one that’s most appropriate for your situation, your results will be spectacular.
Why Would I Need a Facelift in the First Place?
None of us is exempt from the aging process, unfortunately.
As you age, your tissues will begin to sag and droop, you will begin to see heavier lines and creases on your face, and your underlying facial structures will begin to descend due to gravity. You will also start to lose fat in areas of the face that have made you appear youthful.
The good thing is that modern plastic surgery understands this process, and, more often than not, we can do something about it. Let’s first explore how the microlift works for more subtle signs of aging, and then we’ll continue on to see how the more extensive surgical options work.
Microlift (aka The Ponytail Lift)
Also known as a ponytail lift, the microlift is performed using only a small incision that’s hidden in the hair. This minimally invasive facelift procedure addresses the earlier signs of aging, such as visible nasolabial folds and sagging cheeks. Usually, a microlift can be done under local anesthesia and takes only about an hour to complete. It is an excellent option for those who are starting to see the early signs of aging and want a long-lasting, natural-appearing solution.
Standard Facelift
A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a facial rejuvenation procedure that addresses common signs of aging. Facelifts focus on the underlying facial structures to restore your natural contours without dramatically altering your unique features. Facelifts remove excess skin, reposition and tighten loose muscles (the SMAS layer) and address unwanted fat deposits to create a smoother aesthetic and visibly younger-looking skin. This is done through well-concealed incisions around the ears and within the hairline.
Facelifts are often selected by patients in their 40s to 60s, when signs of aging have developed.
Deep Plane Facelift
A deep plane facelift is an advanced facial rejuvenation procedure that targets deeper layers of the facial structure to achieve long-lasting and natural-looking results. Unlike traditional facelifts that primarily focus on tightening the skin and pulling the SMAS (Superficial Musculo Aponeurotic System) layer separately, the deep plane technique lifts and repositions the underlying facial muscles, fat, and connective tissues, as one unit, restoring youthful contours with remarkable precision.
This technique is particularly effective for patients with significant upper cheek sagging, deep nasolabial folds, and pronounced jowls. By repositioning the deeper structures, the deep plane facelift avoids an overly tight or artificial appearance, providing a smoother and more naturally lifted look. The incisions are strategically placed along the hairline and around the ears, ensuring minimal visibility once healed.
What About My Neck? Should I Also Have a Neck Lift?
Don’t worry, Dr. Brys performs surgery on the neck (neck lift), and this is often combined with your facelift surgery so that you have a more comprehensive outcome. Depending on your unique needs, a neck lift can involve liposuction to remove excess neck fat, as well as platysmaplasty to tighten the neck muscles and remove neck bands. Neck lifts can enhance your overall facial profile for a sleeker, slimmer, more polished appearance.
We also offer a variety of other procedures that may complement your facelift:
- Lip lift
- Facial fat grafting
- Rhinoplasty
- Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
- Brow Lift | Forehead Lift
- Botox® & Dermal Fillers
- Liposuction
A Personalized Approach to Facial Surgery in Morristown, NJ
If you’re considering facelift surgery in Morristown, NJ or the surrounding areas, the most critical step is an honest, individualized consultation with a surgeon who specializes in the face (and only the face). Dr. Agata Brys is double board-certified and fellowship-trained in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. She is highly knowledgeable and experienced in facial surgery.
Whether a microlift, standard facelift, or deep plane facelift is right for you depends entirely on you. Dr. Brys’s role is to help you understand those options clearly, answer your questions honestly, and guide you toward the choice that will give you the most natural, balanced result.
If you’re ready to start that conversation, our team is here to help. If you’re ready to get started, we invite you to visit us to have a friendly and informative consultation with Dr. Brys. Simply contact our office in Morristown, NJ at (973) 507-7751 or Parsippany, NJ at (973) 394-1815 or complete our online form to schedule your consultation. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Also be sure to check out our patient testimonials and before and after photo gallery to see what we’ve done for others!