If you’re considering a facelift, you may be surprised to find out that there are many more types than you first thought. Facelift techniques have become more refined than ever, and you now have many options based on your unique needs. Dr. David Gilpin is a premier, double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon in the greater Brentwood and Nashville area who offers the expertise you need to select the right facelift. Here is what to know about the different types of facelifts available at Gilpin Facial Plastics & Aesthetics.

Deep Plane Facelift

The deep plane facelift is one of the most rejuvenating options available. While traditional facelift surgery focuses on the upper tissues of the face, the deep plane facelift concerns the deeper tissues. The benefit of this is that it restores these deeper tissues to a more upright and youthful position when gravity and aging pull them downward. This process lifts the skin with it, rather than simply lifting the skin over the deep tissues, as the facelifts of the past did. In short, the deep plane facelift addresses the root cause of aging rather than simply smoothing it over.

Deep Neck Lift

The deep neck lift is the neck lift equivalent of the deep plane facelift. This option rejuvenates the appearance of the whole neck, which tends to sag and droop as we age. The deep neck lift repositions each layer, including the deeper tissues, muscles, and glands, rather than smoothing the skin over top. It can create better definition in the chin and neck, leading to an overall more rejuvenated appearance – especially when combined with a facelift.

Mini Facelift

The mini facelift, also called the short scar or limited incision facelift, is a less invasive version of the traditional facelift. It can tweak signs of aging in the mid and lower face, working with the surface layers of skin and tissue rather than the deeper, more invasive tissue lifting of the deep plane and MADE facelifts. This makes it a great beginner facelift for patients who have tried non-surgical treatments but aren’t seeing the results they want. It can also be an effective way to continually reverse moderate signs of aging rather than undergoing a single transformative facelift. It’s typically less invasive than a deep plane facelift and is a great option for younger patients who want to target initial signs of aging like sagging and jowls.

MADE Facelift

The MADE facelift is a compromise between the mini facelift and the deep plane facelift. It combines the short scar approach with deep tissue rejuvenation, helping restore natural volume while preserving the less-invasive nature of the mini facelift. This makes it the best of both worlds for many patients since it can result in a much less visible incision line than the deep plane facelift but still provides the respective rejuvenating results.

SMAS Facelift

The SMAS facelift is another deeply rejuvenating option that concerns the SMAS layer of the face, or the superficial musculoaponeurotic system. The SMAS layer is a network of collagen, elastin, fat, muscle, and fibers that connects the muscles to the skin, allowing them to move together in one unit. The SMAS facelift releases the SMAS tissue and skin to bring it to a more youthful position. Whether you have initial signs of aging or significant signs of aging the deep plane facelift is an excellent option for all.

Ponytail Facelift

The ponytail facelift is a unique type of facelift that tightens the skin in the mid and upper face, creating the appearance of wearing a tight ponytail. It uses only small incisions and typically doesn’t involve lifting or restoring deeper tissues, meaning it’s less invasive. It’s similar to the mini facelift but concerns the upper and mid face rather than the lower. This is a great combination procedure to be performed with a brow lift.

Facelift in Nashville, TN

As you begin to set up consultations to discuss what type of facelift is the best option for you don’t forget facelifts only target the lower 2/3 of the face. Don’t be surprised if a surgeon recommends a brow lift in combination with your facelift surgery. This will often times allow of the most natural looking result simply because it reverses the aging of the whole face. During a consultation, Dr. Gilpin can help you select the right facelift option for your needs. To learn more, contact our luxury Nashville office today by calling or filling out our online form.