Just because wrinkles are a natural part of aging doesn’t mean we want them! While you can’t turn back the clock (as much as we wish we could), you do have the power to prevent the appearance of aging and opt for a naturally youthful look. Thankfully, there are numerous options to do the trick.
Among the most common is facelift surgery, which targets sagging skin, wrinkles and deep creases as you age by tightening underlying muscles, lifting tissues and removing excess or loose skin.
A facelift is the most invasive and complex procedure for treating unwanted signs of aging on the face, but as a plastic surgeon at GraceMed who’s conducted 15 years’ worth of facelifts, I can promise you this: facelift surgery remains the most effective and customizable option if you’re seeking sizeable results.
So the question remains: What is an ideal age to get a facelift?
The Answer: Everyone is Different
I am a firm believer that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to cosmetic surgery – facelifts included. A facelift procedure is tailored to the individual needs of the patient.
The reality is your face changes during many stages of your life, and wrinkles are a common sign of aging that some may experience sooner than others. The initial signs of aging are fine lines, which some people start to notice in their early 20s. Those in their 40s or 50s usually start to develop deeper wrinkles and a noticeable volume loss, so it’s no surprise that the majority of candidates begin to look into facelift surgery at later stages in life.
However, it’s becoming more and more common for young adults in their 20s and 30s to begin mild facial treatments such as Neuromodulators to prevent the signs of aging. Facelift surgery can have the same benefit, especially if you’re looking for more effective, long-term results. Why? Because undergoing a facelift at a younger age will not result in drastic changes that could significantly alter your face. Instead, it will produce a subtle, more naturally youthful appearance, and who doesn’t want that?
What Makes You a Candidate For Facelift Surgery?
You now know that facelifts are suitable for almost any age, but there are several other factors to consider before going under the knife.
The most important are:
- Do you have any extreme medical conditions?
- Do you smoke?
- Do you have unrealistic expectations?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you are likely not a fit for facelift surgery. If you aren’t sure, my colleagues and I at GraceMed can help you confirm.
Other factors include:
- Neuromodulators are not cutting it – If you have deep wrinkles that Neuromodulators and similar procedures might not be enough to provide you with the outcome you desire, you could consider getting a facelift.
- The location of your skin concerns – A facelift will be most effective on wrinkles on the lower portion of your face, such as the chin and jaw. You may be an ideal candidate for a facelift if you want to improve mid-facial sagging, reduce deep creases under the eye, or increase jawline definition.
- Reduce the appearance of sun damage – A facelift can help reduce two signs of long-term sun damage – wrinkles and sagging – by pulling the skin taut and removing excess skin.
Which Facelift Treatment Is Right For You?
There are several types of facelift procedures, the most common being the SMAS Facelift and the Deep Plane Facelift. My colleagues and I at GraceMed offer both of these options and more using our groundbreaking techniques rooted in dermatology and scientific research.
Here’s some information about each procedure to help you decide which one is right for you:
The SMAS Lift
The SMAS facelift concentrates on the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), which is the underlying layer of facial muscles. The SMAS is adjacent to the platysma muscle in the neck, so the SMAS lift improves the lower face and neck, as well.
During the SMAS lift, the SMAS, which becomes loose and saggy with age, is elevated and repositioned as the surgeon sees fit to “lift” the facial structures. Stitches are used to secure the SMAS layer into its improved position for long-lasting results.
SMAS facelift is typically performed through incisions at the temples in the hairline; the incisions extend along the edge of the ear and end behind the ear.
Deep Plane Facelift
The deep plane lift is more advanced and powerful than the SMAS facelift. During the operation, the plastic surgeon works on the SMAS layer and the deeper structures of the face. Very noticeable signs of aging, such as deep nasolabial folds (i.e., the grooves between the cheeks and lips) and heavier jowls (loose skin on the lower cheeks and jaw), can be addressed with a deep plane lift. In addition to tightening the SMAS layer, the cheek (malar) fat pad is elevated to improve the appearance of the mid-face. The neck and jawline are also tightened.
The deep plane facelift procedure is usually performed through incisions along the hairline and around the ears.
GraceMed’s cutting-edge facelift procedures include:
3 Day Facelift
As we age, our skin will naturally lose its elasticity and muscle tone, along with a gradual loss of the fatty tissue under the surface of the skin. The effects of gravity and exposure to the sun can also leave your complexion looking much older than you really are. A combination of these factors can result in wrinkles and sagging skin.
Under the natural force of gravity, the skin loses elasticity as the eyebrows are pulled downwards, and loose skin is created around the jaws and cheeks. While we cannot stop the force of gravity or the inevitable aging process, the 3 Day Face Lift is an effective treatment option to restore a youthful appearance, maintaining a natural look that does not appear fake or overdone.
Scarless (Endoscopic) Facelift
The Endoscopic Facelift, is less invasive than other types of facelift surgery, resulting in significantly fewer visible scars, a quicker recovery, and fewer risks. An Endoscopic Facelift is often called a “scarless facelift” because, rather than using longer incisions in the skin of the face and neck, it involves only about two one-inch-long incisions in the skin. The incisions can usually be made above the hairline and inside the mouth, allowing them to remain virtually out of view.
Through one of the incisions, your GraceMed surgeon inserts a thin wand holding a tiny camera, which allows him to view the surgical area on a video monitor without having to pull back or remove as much skin. Small surgical instruments are then inserted through the other incisions and are used to remove excess fat and tissue beneath the skin while reshaping and toning the area. In order to lift the cheeks, an Endontine is used, a biodegradable product made of sugar that dissolves in a few months.
Mini Facelift or Micro Mini Lift
Mini or Micro lifts are less evasive than the traditional facelift: less, anesthetic, shorter surgery, less scarring, and less downtime.
For patients with advanced aging around the face, jawline, and neck the mini/micro facelift is not a good choice. This procedure only addresses the mid-area of the face and will not improve draping, sagging, or harsh wrinkles in the brow. The mini/micro facelift is a great solution for patients with mild skin laxity in the central part of the face. It also has less downtime compared to a standard facelift.
MACS Facelift
A MACS Facelift (Minimal access cranial suspension) is a facelift technique in which the incision is limited to the front part of the ear only. This technique can be combined with liposuction to the neck to aid with further contouring.
If you’re looking to get a facelift in Toronto, schedule your consultation with me at GraceMed’s Burlington clinic. I’d be happy to help you determine if you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure and create a personalized plan for your treatment based on your aesthetic skin goals.
Dr. Reza Ahmadzadeh BSc, MD, FRCSC is an award-winning plastic surgeon in the Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, and Toronto areas. Dr. Reza’s areas of special interest and expertise are facelifts/neck lifts, upper and lower eyelid surgery, breast enhancement, breast Lift, breast augmentation, and tummy tucks. Dr. Reza ensures his patients receive the best possible results with a soft, natural appearance.
