An expertly performed facelift can turn back the clock and help you look like a more pleasant, refreshed version of yourself. Although the core components of the procedure are the same, a facelift is a highly nuanced surgery carefully tailored to your unique needs.
Depending on your facial anatomy and goals of treatment, you may be best suited to traditional facelift, short-scar facelift or mini facelift. Read on as Dr. Arie Benchetrit discusses the three different approaches to facelift and explains what each entails.
Traditional Facelift
A traditional or classic facelift is designed to tighten the facial muscles and tissue, remove excess fat and re-drape the skin on the face and neck. This improves the appearance of laxity and sagging in the middle and lower areas of the face; it can also minimize the appearance of deep creases and folds around the nose, mouth and chin.
The incisions for traditional facelift are made above the hairline at the temples, extending in front of and around the ears to the lower scalp.
The facial and neck tissues and muscles are tightened and lifted, and fat is redistributed or removed as needed. Finally, the skin is re-draped more tightly over the face and neck, and redundant skin is removed. Because the scar may be visible, especially in the back of the scalp or neck in men or women with short hair or who wear their hair up, Dr. Benchetrit rarely uses this approach as the short-scar facelift is a better option for most patients.
Short-Scar Facelift
A short-scar facelift is very similar to a traditional facelift and the results are the same as the latter in most patients; however, it is performed through smaller incisions. As the name suggests, this produces much shorter scars than a traditional facelift. A short-scar facelift also requires less operating time and is associated with shorter recovery times and fewer risks.
The incisions for a short-scar facelift are created in the temporal hair above the ear, extending downward inside of the ear (tragus) to the earlobe. Depending on the extent of correction needed, the incision may extend to the crease behind the ear but never extends to the scalp or the back of the neck. The procedural steps are nearly identical to those of a traditional facelift and the results and longevity are nearly identical. However, the much shorter scar is almost invisible compared to that of the traditional facelift, especially for women or men with short hair. Most patients can expect significant rejuvenation that will last 10 years or more.
Dr. Benchetrit is very experienced in short-scar facelifts, having performed over 800 of them. He has specialized in this technique for over 20 years and receives many referrals for the procedure by word of mouth.
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift is similar to a traditional or short-scar facelift, but not as extensive. It is usually recommended for patients with early signs of facial aging, i.e., mild jowling and sagging skin along the jawline. The incisions for a mini facelift are similar to those of a short-scar facelift but are even shorter. The results are not as dramatic as with the short-scar lift nor do they last as long. However, this procedure takes less time, is less costly and has a quicker recovery than the other lifts.
With his extensive training and experience, Dr. Benchetrit is perfectly positioned to evaluate your facial anatomy and goals and recommend the procedure best suited to your needs. To discuss your facial rejuvenation wishes and expectations with Dr. Benchetrit, please email our office and request an appointment today.
