As people age, many become increasingly concerned about the visible signs of aging. Today’s population is remaining vibrant and active into their 50s, 60s, and beyond. However, the cumulative effects of sun exposure and gravity, combined with genetics, can sometimes make people look much older than they feel.

This is why facelifts are one of our most popular procedures here at North Charlotte Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. A facelift can help to erase some of the negative effects of aging from your face, giving you a rejuvenated and refreshed look. If you’re considering a facelift, there are a few different options that you have. Which one is right for you depends on how much visible aging you currently have, and your goals for your appearance.

Traditional Facelift

The traditional facelift was pioneered decades ago, but techniques have been improving since that time. The outcomes from this procedure are better than ever, with extremely high satisfaction rates among patients. The old “windswept” look is a thing of the past, and outcomes look very natural, with many of our patients reporting that they look ten years younger (even after it’s been years since they had the procedure).

The incision for this procedure begins in the hairline near the temples. It curves down around in front of the ear, then up and behind it and ends in the hairline behind the ears. The majority of the scars are hidden in the hairline, and the scars around the ear are discreet and barely visible over time.

During a traditional facelift, the surgeon addresses the skin as well as the underlying tissues. Excess skin is removed, fat tissue is sculpted or redistributed, and muscles may be lifted, resulting in a complete rejuvenation of the appearance. The traditional facelift primarily addresses the lower face and midface, including sagging, jowls, “smile lines,” and lines extending from the nose to the corners of the mouth (“marionette lines”).

The traditional facelift offers the most dramatic change in one’s appearance. If you’re seeking the greatest rejuvenation possible with a surgical procedure, then the traditional facelift may be right for you.

Limited Incision Facelift

Also known as a “mini facelift,” a limited incision facelift is a smaller commitment than a traditional facelift. The procedure can often be performed in our office under light sedation and local anesthesia, rather than requiring an operating room and general anesthesia.

The scars resulting from a limited incision facelift begin just in front of the ear, wrap around the ear, and end just behind the ear. The incision is “limited” because it doesn’t extend up into the hairline of the temples and forehead. Patients can often hide the incisions under their hair, making the procedure very discreet.

Although the surgeon will still sculpt and redistribute facial tissues, the smaller incisions mean that there is less manipulation of facial tissues during the procedure. Because there is less tissue manipulation and smaller incisions, there is generally less swelling associated with the recovery. This often makes it possible to return to work and social activities more quickly after this procedure than after a traditional facelift.

This procedure primarily addresses the lower face, including the “smile lines” and jowls. There tends to be less ability for the surgeon to address the midface through the shorter incisions. Overall, the results from a limited incision facelift are not as dramatic as those from a traditional facelift. This procedure is generally best for younger patients, who are concerned about the effects of aging on their appearance but have only mild to moderate concerns that they want to address. Those who would like a more dramatic change in their appearance should consider a traditional facelift.

Neck Lift

Aging doesn’t just affect the face. Many patients have concerns about the appearance of the neck, including sagging and excessive fullness. The neck and the face age in tandem, so patients who address the face but not the neck may find that they still don’t look as youthful as they’d like. A neck lift can address these concerns by removing excess fat tissue and tightening the skin.

A neck lift may be added to a traditional facelift or a limited incision facelift, or can be performed on its own. In some cases, additional scars under the chin will be needed to fully address the issues of the neck. In other cases, the facelift scars can be extended downward a bit to allow the surgeon to access the neck.

Brow Lift and Eyelid Surgery

A facelift primarily addresses the lower face and midface. For those who have significant concerns about the upper face, additional procedures can be performed at the same time as the facelift, for a complete facial rejuvenation. For those who have sagging brows or significant laxity of the forehead, a forehead lift (also known as a brow lift) can help. For those with drooping or sagging eyelids, eyelid surgery can help to create a more refreshed look. Your complete surgical procedure can be custom-designed to address your needs and goals.

Non-Surgical Alternatives

For patients who have started to develop signs of aging, but who don’t yet have serious enough problems to consider surgery, there are also non-surgical anti-aging alternatives that may be right for you. Botox is an injectable substance that works by relaxing certain facial muscles that cause wrinkles. Fillers can be used to “plump up” the tissue below a wrinkle or groove in the skin, in order to smooth out the skin. Both of these are popular treatments that have been used by millions of people to help maintain their youthful appearance.

Many patients begin with these non-surgical treatments, while they still have only mild changes in their appearance. As aging progresses, many patients find that non-surgical treatments are no longer enough to maintain the appearance that they desire. When this happens, then they may consider a facelift.

Your plastic surgeon will help you decide which facelift is right for you – facelift Charlotte

In order to determine which option would be best for your facial rejuvenation, you should consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to get personalized advice. Of course, you’ll only want to trust your face to one of the best. A double board certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience, Dr. Erik Miles is definitely one of the best.

If you’re considering a facelift in Charlotte or the surrounding Lake Norman area, make an appointment with Dr. Miles to discuss your options. After examining you and learning about your goals for your appearance, he’ll offer his professional recommendations about which procedure or procedures would likely provide you with the results you’re looking for. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Miles, please contact our office.