Facelift Variations

WASHINGTON, DC, February 24, 2011 (Press-News.org) There are several types of facelift, and misconceptions about what a facelift really does. For many patients, a traditional facelift will not accomplish their goals. Different parts of the face may need to be addressed. In some cases, a less extensive procedure can have the desired effect.

4-D Facelift

The 4-D Facelift is the most comprehensive facelift variation. It is a more holistic approach that addresses the underlying structures of the face and proper function. It can involve multiple small, minimally invasive procedures designed to work together.

Rather than simply removing skin and muscle tissue, in a 4-D facelift sagging is first addressed by building up underlying structures that have degenerated with age. Drooping muscles are repositioned to improve function, rather than just being tightened. An effort is made to improve the quality of the skin.

Excess skin may still be removed. The entire face and neck are taken into consideration, because all of the parts of the face and the neck work together. The end result is natural-looking not only when the face is at rest, but also natural movements of the face when speaking, smiling, and making other facial expressions.

Depending on your unique needs, a 4-D facelift may include:

- Laser skin resurfacing
- Chemical peel
- Endoscopic brow lift
- Blepharoplasty
- Midface lift
- Neck lift

Traditional Facelift

A traditional facelift addresses the lower two-thirds of your face and neck. Excess skin and fat are removed and the muscles are tightened. A facelift can improve you cheeks, jaw line, chin, and neck. It can help correct problems such as:

- Creases below lower eyelids
- Midface sagging
- Creases around the mouth
- Jowls
- Double chin
- Loose, sagging skin
- Poor muscle tone

Because a traditional facelift focuses heavily on removing excess skin and tissue, it is very beneficial to patients who have achieved massive weight loss. A traditional facelift does not address fine lines, or problems such as crow's feet.

Midface Lift

The midface lift procedure focuses on the cheeks, and in the process it improves the look of your lower eyelids, and around the mouth. A midface lift can correct problems such as:

- Marionette lines around the mouth
- Drooping corners of the mouth
- Sagging cheeks
- Puffiness under the eyes

A midface lift is not as extensive as a facelift, but is often the more appropriate procedure if you do not need to correct problems below the chin such as jowls, double chin, or turkey neck. Recovery from a midface lift is quicker than recovery from a full facelift, but the results are just as long-lasting.

Limited Incision Facelift

The limited incision facelift is also referred to as a mini-lift, or sometime a lunchtime lift or weekend lift. The recovery time is very short when compared to a full facelift. You can be back to your normal activities in just a few days.

The mini-lift uses small incisions, and causes far less trauma to the tissues. As you might expect, the results are also less dramatic. It can be a great choice for younger patients who want to refresh their look, but do not have extensive sagging.

If you are considering a facelift in Maryland, Northern Virginia, or Washington, D.C., please visit the website of NOVA SurgiCare, PC, Center for Oral & Facial Rejuvenation to learn more about your options. http://www.novasurgicare.com