What is a "Face Lift" and a "Neck Lift"?

Face lifts and neck lifts have been around for many years. Originally, surgeons would stretch and remove skin only to accomplish these lifts. While this was a very safe procedure as it did not significantly endanger any nerves or blood vessels, it had very poor longevity. Since the skin has considerable elasticity, these types of lifts do not provide good long-term results. This left patients with recurrent signs of facial aging in a short amount of time. Sadly, this technique was used by some surgeons up until just a few decades ago.

In more recent years, face lift surgeons have adapted updated techniques that achieve much better long-lasting results. Focusing on release of what are termed “facial ligaments”, securely lifting a layer of the face called the SMAS and specifically contouring the deep layers of the neck. more natural and long-lasting results are possible. Although these techniques carry slightly elevated risk to critical structures and increased downtime, the ultimate outcome is more than worth it. A well-trained face lift surgeon will know these benefits and risks of these techniques and can guide the patient with thoughtful and informative consultation sessions.

The Face Lift, AKA: deep plane, high SMAS and lateral SMAS

Terminology of facelifts is dizzying. Many surgeons have coined their own names for the facelift they perform, but ultimately the name doesn’t always explain the technique. The type of facelift used for each patient should be determined by their particular anatomy, previous facial surgeries and expected outcomes. Commonly used techniques in modern times include deep plane, high SMAS and lateral SMAS. This procedure is not one size fits all and a detailed preoperative examination and consultation are necessary to determine the type necessary to achieve the surgical goals.

So, why does lifting the face lead to lifted spirits? In my view, the goal of facial rejuvenation is not to look different. It is to restore a person’s view of normal through their mind’s eye. Rejuvenation is intended to match an outward appearance to the internal ideal. A face lift certainly achieves a more youthful appearance, but what I gather from my patients is that afterward they now have the outward appearance of their more youthful feeling self. That, friends, is normal and it lifts one’s spirits.