Depending on your personal preferences, a facelift (rhytidectomy/meloplasty) includes precise steps to focus on tightening and repositioning the tissues of the face and neck.
It is generally considered by candidates who have noticed moderate to significant changes in their facial structure due to ageing, including skin laxity, shifting facial volume, and deeper folds or creases.
In this blog, we’ll go into further detail about the key indicators that might suggest a facelift may be a suitable procedure option for you.
Changes in the skin around the middle of the face
The middle of the face, which includes the cheeks and the area beneath the eyes, can be one of the first places where visible signs of ageing appear. Over time, the skin in this area can lose its elasticity, and the underlying support structures may weaken, leading to noticeable skin laxity.
A facelift (rhytidectomy/meloplasty) may help by repositioning the deeper layers of the mid-face and lifting the tissues. If you would like your facelift procedure to specifically focus on this area alone, a mid-facelift, or mid rhytidectomy, may be a suitable approach. The procedure is specifically designed to address the skin and underlying structures in the middle of the face.
A loss of volume that has influenced facial contours
Facial volume has a noticeable influence on the shape and structure of the face. When volume is lost, whether due to the natural ageing process or other factors, it can become noticeable in the cheeks, around the mouth, and along the jawline.
A facelift can address these changes by repositioning the underlying tissues and addressing excess skin. Depending on the extent of the volume loss and skin laxity, a standard facelift to address the more superficial layers or a deep plane facelift to target the deeper structures of the face may be suitable.
If you only have a mild to moderate loss of volume, a mini facelift may be a more suitable option, focusing on the lower face and jawline.
Deep creases or visible lines around the nose and mouth
Another common sign of ageing is the development of deep creases, particularly around the nasolabial folds (the lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth) and marionette lines (which extend from the corners of the mouth downward).
A mid-facelift or deep plane facelift may be a suitable approach to these particular signs of ageing. If the lines are more moderate, a mid-facelift can be sufficient, while deeper creases and skin laxity may require a more extensive approach like the deep plane facelift.
Changes in the lower face and jawline
It is common to notice the development of skin laxity in the lower face and jawline with age. Over time, a change in tissue elasticity can contribute to the appearance of jowls.
If the extent of the jowls or tissue laxity on the lower face is on the milder to more moderate side, a mini facelift focused on the lower face may be the right approach. It is a less extensive procedure than a standard facelift, but can still achieve long-lasting results.
However, a standard facelift or deep plane facelift can also be the right approach, particularly if the tissue laxity is more significant and the changes made would benefit from more structural support.
Loose skin and soft tissue changes in the neck
As skin laxity increases, it’s common to see changes in the neck, including excess skin, visible muscle bands, and areas where fat has collected beneath the chin.
A facelift often includes adjustments to the neck, particularly in cases where the skin laxity extends beyond the jawline. A standard facelift or deep plane facelift can be suitable, however, a neck lift procedure may sometimes need to be combined with a facelift.
A neck lift (platysmaplasty) is commonly combined with a facelift procedure, as it’s normal for both areas to experience changes in skin elasticity at the same time. If an additional neck lift procedure is needed, it can help to provide more balanced results by considering how the characteristics of the face and neck will work together.
Deciding if a facelift is the right option for you
While assessing each of these key indicators can help you to better understand what a facelift can address, an experienced surgeon will still need to carefully assess the characteristics of your face and neck to determine your suitability for the procedure.
A consultation will allow your plastic surgeon to take a look at the extent of tissue laxity on the middle of your face, lower face, jawline and neck, while considering any possible loss of volume, creases and lines.
Your surgeon can then explain your facelift options, which may include a standard full facelift (rhytidectomy), mid facelift, lower facelift, deep plane facelift or a combined facelift with a neck lift. You’ll discuss how your procedure will be performed, including incision placement, and how you can prepare for the procedure. You will also be able to discuss the recovery process, the costs involved, and the results that can be achieved.
Discuss your surgical options with Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Laniewski
If you feel that one or more of these key indicators apply to you and want to consider undergoing a facelift, organising a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon will be the first step in your surgical planning.
Based in Sydney, Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Peter Laniewski takes pride in utilising the latest technologies and techniques in cosmetic procedures. He has completed advanced surgical training and gained Fellowships in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, which includes an international fellowship at the renowned Royal Marsden Hospital in London.
Dr Laniewski also trained with plastic surgeons from the respected Harley Street in London, providing him with additional refined skills in face and breast procedures.
With the right training, experience and skills, he will be able to discuss your surgical expectations and help you decide if a facelift is the right option.
You are welcome to contact our team to book your consultation with Dr Laniewski in Sydney.
