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 targets a different area of the face. Understanding the differences 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, a brow 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 of 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 to pull 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.
Mini Facelift
What It Fixes: A mini facelift is designed for patients with early signs of aging, particularly mild jowling and skin laxity along the jawline. It’s generally best suited for younger patients with minimal neck aging who want subtle facial rejuvenation.
The Procedure: Sometimes called a short-scar facelift, a mini facelift uses smaller incisions than a traditional facelift while tightening and repositioning the underlying SMAS layer. Although it’s less extensive than a deep plane facelift, it can provide excellent results for carefully selected patients. During your consultation, Dr. Hobgood will determine whether a mini facelift or a more extensive facelift will provide the best long-term outcome.
Facelift
What It Fixes: A facelift (rhytidectomy) primarily focuses on the lower region of the face, including the area around the mouth and jawline. Aging causes wrinkles around the mouth to become more obvious and the skin around the neck and jaw to become more relaxed. Muscles also lose their tone over time, which can contribute to the appearance of aging.
The Procedure: Not all facelift procedures are performed the same way. One of the biggest differences between facelift techniques is which layers of facial tissue are lifted and repositioned, not simply where the incisions are placed. The depth of the procedure plays an important role in the results and how long they last. Dr. Hobgood offers multiple facelift techniques because every patient’s anatomy and goals are different. Depending on your needs, he may recommend one of the following approaches:
Preservation Deep Plane Facelift (Preferred for Most Patients)
Dr. Hobgood specializes in the preservation deep plane facelift, an advanced technique that releases and repositions the deeper facial tissues as a single unit. Rather than simply tightening the skin, this approach restores youthful facial contours while maintaining natural expression and creating long-lasting results.
SMAS Facelift
For select patients, a SMAS facelift can provide meaningful improvement to the lower face and jawline. Dr. Hobgood may recommend this technique for certain anatomical situations or when a deep plane facelift isn’t the best option.
Make an Appointment To Discuss Your Facial Lift Procedure Options
Every patient’s anatomy is different. Your needs and desired results are 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 nonsurgical 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. Request a consultation using our online form or call our Scottsdale, AZ, office at (480) 214-9955 today.
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