Posted in "Secrets" of Cosmetic Surgery, Rejuvenation (anti-aging), Surgical Procedures, September 28th, 2008 | Posted by Dr. Michael Kreidstein

There are few procedures in plastic surgery with more variations than the facelift.  Understanding something about this operation may help you to understand the controversies, and may help you to ask the right questions when you meet with a prospective surgeon.With dozens of variations, the facelift is a fascinating operation for plastic surgeons.  Surgeons may modify their technique over the years, or do the same operation for 40 years.  What follows is a summary of some important decisions a surgeon must make in developing their technique.
1. incisions: if placed behind the hairline, the scar is better hidden, but the hairline is pulled back and can create deformity, especially if the procedure is repeated.  So called short scar techniques minimize the scar behind the ear, but are less effective at correcting loose neck skin.
2. mini-lift vs formal facelift: Some procedures involve simple excision of skin from in front of the ear and possibly a suture hitching up the deep tissues.  Results from such a procedure will be quite temporary, as there is little to stop the tissues from stretching out.  If your surgery will take less than two hours, it is likely there is insufficient work to provide a durable result.
2. volume correction: A youthful face is not an old face with tight skin! Ask your surgeon to explain what efforts they will take to re-establish youthful contours in your face.
Understanding these issues will help you to understand why results, costs, and surgical recovery times can vary widely from surgeon to surgeon.