There are two types of commonly performed facelift operations: SMAS lifting and deep-plane facelifts. Like everything, there are pros and cons to each of these procedures. In general, SMAS lifts, which work by lifting the tendinous sheet called the SMAS (which runs throughout the face and neck) to re-suspend drooping tissues: jowls, sagging skin, and loose neck tissue. SMAS lifts are more commonly offered in the United States because they are safer, have less downtime, and offer a refreshed appearance without that “wind-swept” facelift appearance that most people find unsettling.

Deep-plane lifts are done deeper and lift the covering of the facial bones back in a higher position and likely last longer than SMAS lifts. However, most literature reviews suggest that deep-plain lifts have a significantly higher risk of injury to the nerves that work the face and if you watch the cable news channels, almost certainly you have seen someone who has this tell-tale sign of a nerve injury. Additionally, deep-plane lifts tend to have fairly long postoperative swelling and this can be hard to conceal from others.

Since 1995, Dr. Lindsey has exclusively performed SMAS facelifts, and has done over 4,000 with zero injuries to the nerves that move the face. In general, we find that our short scar rhytidectomy, or mini-facelift, has “grown” over the years to what our traditional facelift was in the 90s. But we can often do this with only sedation -not general anesthesia- adding to overall safety. While not everyone is a candidate for the more conservative procedure, many people are. It is simply a matter of having done so many lifts, that Dr. Lindsey has gotten better at accomplishing more…with less.

Our short scar rhytidectomy is usually performed in our office surgical suite, with light sedation. In 90 minutes or so, with minimal bleeding, liposuction of the jowls and neck are done first, then lifting and suturing of the SMAS tissue. Extra skin is conservatively excised and the incisions are closed without the need for drains. A tight wrap is placed for the first night, and a looser wrap is kept on 24 hours a day for 7 days, followed by sleeping in the wrap for a second week. Most people can resume public life at the 8th day with minimal bruising. On average, we have found most “repeat” procedures of this occur at 7 years. And Dr. Lindsey has done this procedure on patients in their late 30s (who did actually need it) all the way to their early 80s. The two most common ages for short scar rhytidectomy at our practice is age 44; typically women who want to look refreshed as they see their peers starting to look “tired,” and age 57; typically women who have had a change in their life, whether is a change in marriage, occupation, or the kids are finally out of the house.

Unlike some cosmetic practices where the “example” patients shown actually needed nothing, Dr. Lindsey has a portfolio of hundreds of examples of these procedures in patients of all types: older, younger, heavier, thinner, lighter and darker. before you sign up. And we have several hundred testimonial letters for your review as well.