What is it?
Among the most popular plastic surgery procedures, and the most likely to turn back the clock on the visible signs of aging, is the face lift. Technically known as a rhytidectomy, the process can help reverse the effects of age, gravity, genetics and sun damage, among others.

Though there are different face lift techniques, the procedure is fundamentally the same in each case. In all cases, small incisions are made in the inconspicuous area of the hair line at the temple and around the ear towards the earlobe.
After the incision is made, the skin and muscle of the face are separated from the deeper facial tissue. If required, surgeons will perform liposuction, or fat removal in cheeks, chin, jaw and nasolabial folds. Excess tissue can be removed or redistributed and re-draped to areas that require more volume and shape. The muscle and skin is then drawn back towards the opening incision, giving the face a more tightened appearance.

Face lift techniques:
SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) Known as the gold standard in face lift approaches, this technique builds on existing traditional face lift methods by concentrating on the thin underlying connective tissue layer called the superficial musculoaponeurotic system. Tightening this foundational tissue gives a smoother and improved shape without noticeable tension in the skin. In particular, this method works well for people who are most concerned with the folds around the nose and mouth called nasolabial folds.

Subperisteal Lift Some surgeons believe this procedure gives patients a more long-lasting face lift, because it deals with the tightening of the deeper tissues of the face. This method is done endoscopically, and can cause more swelling and bruising. By releasing the tissues off of the bony layer it is believed that elevating and reshaping results will be improved. Most surgeons do not acknowledge a significant difference in results from the SMAS technique.

Deep Plane Face Lift The deep plane system is a more invasive process that reshapes the whole face including the neck, brow and both upper and lower eyelids. By lifting the skin, facial tissues, muscle and fat all in one continuous section, deep plane lifts can affect more of the face area. While this procedure can accomplish more, it is considered very invasive and can take more time for recovery and is generally not used frequently.

Mid-face Lift The mid-face lift, also known as the cheek lift, focuses on the area beginning below the eye to the lower cheek area. As the area between the lower eyelid, cheek and nasolabial fold ages, this area descends and cannot always be improved by a regular face lift procedure. The cheek lift concentrates on improving the loose skin, fat deposits and tissues of this particular area. This procedure is specifically geared toward the cheek area, and does not address the aging signs of brow, jaw line or neck.

Recovery time:
5 days to 2 weeks. Depending on the technique used.