There are many surgical options available to enhance or improve your facial appearance and counter the effects of aging. From fillers to reconstructive procedures, cosmetic surgeons can provide the optimal experience to get the desired results.
Of all the procedures available, facial lifts are among the most common performed.At Hobgood Facial Plastic Surgery, there are different lift options available, including a forehead/brow lift, a mid-face lift, and a rhytidectomy, commonly referred to as a facelift. Each of these lifts target a different area of the face. Understanding the difference between them will help inform you as a patient when considering a cosmetic procedure for your face.
Forehead/Brow Lift
What It Fixes: Like the name suggests, this lift targets the upper portion of the face, specifically the forehead and brow area.As we age, wrinkle lines can become more prominent on the forehead.“Frown” lines appear between the eyebrows that can make one appear angry. Skin also begins to lose collagen and elasticity, which can cause the eyebrows to sag and create a tired appearance.
The Procedure:A brow lift can be performed in a couple different ways. One option is to use endoscopic incisions. These incisions are made within the hairline and an endoscope (a small tube with a camera attached) is inserted to view the area under the skin. Special instruments are then used topull the skin tighter and adjust the muscles in the forehead. Another option is a coronal incision, which is made from ear to ear. The forehead skin is then lifted away, allowing the surgeon to view the muscles directly and make the necessary adjustments. The incisions are closed with sutures and the patient will be brought out of anesthesia.
Dr. Hobgood prefers to use the endoscopic procedure, which is minimally invasive and allows for a shorter recovery time. Patients can resume light activity within three days and normal activities after seven to 10 days.
Mid-Face Lift
What It Fixes: A mid-face lift targets the cheeks, the region under the eyes, and the nasolabial fold (the spot between your mouth and nose). Time and gravity cause the skin and fatty tissue in your cheeks to sag as you get older, making your cheeks less pronounced and the nasolabial fold droopy.
The Procedure: The primary goal of the mid-face lift is to reposition the soft tissues that make up the cheeks. This can be accomplished in a manner similar to a brow lift, with incisions made by the ear and the hairline. The tissue will be elevated using an endoscope and surgical instruments before the incisions are closed. A mid-face lift might also be as easy as a filler injection designed to provide more contouring to the cheeks.
Rhytidectomy
What It Fixes: A facelift primarily focuses on the lower region of the face, including the area around the mouth and jaw line. As with the mid-facial areas, aging causes wrinkles around the mouth to become more obviousand the skin around the neck and jaw to become more relaxed. Muscles also lose their toning over time, which can contribute to looking older.
The Procedure: Patients are placed under general anesthesia. Incisions are made along the hairline and around the ear to allow the surgeon access to the soft tissue. The tissue is then elevated and tightened with carefully placed sutures. Excess skin and tissue is removed, and the incisions are closed with sutures.
All of these surgeries can be combined with other cosmetic procedures. For example, rhytidectomies are commonly performed with a neck lift while mid-face lifts can be completed with a blepharoplasty (eyelid lift). You may even be able to have a brow lift and a facelift done together. Your doctor will explain all your options and customize them based on your particular needs.
These are all outpatient procedures and patients will be able to go home after only a few hours. Recovery is minimal and patients will be able to return to normal activities after a few weeks.
Make an Appointment to Discuss Your Facial Lift Procedure Options
Every patient’s anatomy is different. Your needs and desired results are going to be uniquely based on your health, medical history, and how your face is structured. That’s why it’s very important to schedule a consultation with a surgeon if you’re looking to enhance or improve your facial appearance through cosmetic surgery.
Dr. Todd Hobgood specializes in both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, so he can discuss every possible option available for your face, head, and neck to determine the best course of surgery to help you look and feel your best. From the consultation to recovery, he and the rest of our staff will work closely with you to ensure you have the best experience possible. Call our Scottsdale, AZ, office at (480) 214-9955 to schedule a consultation today!
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