In the realm of cosmetic enhancements, facelifts have undergone a remarkable evolution, propelled by advanced techniques and cutting-edge technology. While the traditional goals of correcting laxity and restoring elasticity remain, modern facelifts now offer a sophisticated approach, aiming for a more natural-looking transformation. Amidst these advancements, it’s crucial to distinguish a good facelift from a subpar one. We consulted two esteemed facial plastic surgeons to shed light on the signs of a well-done facelift.
Featured Experts
- Paul Afrooz, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Miami
- David Lieberman, MD is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Palo Alto, CA
Discreet Scarring
According to Dr. Afrooz, discreet scarring is a hallmark of a well-executed facelift. “Careful incision placement and meticulous closure techniques are crucial for minimizing visible scarring after a facelift,” he says. Oftentimes, scars are strategically hidden around the ears and along the hairline, resulting in a seamless, natural finish.
Natural-Looking Results
Dr. Afrooz underscores the importance of natural-looking results for a good facelift outcome. “A successful facelift should rejuvenate without appearing overly tight or pulled.”
“There should be zero signs of external tension in a good facelift,” agrees Dr. Lieberman. “The way you keep tension off the skin is by focusing your efforts on the deeper soft tissues with release and repositioning,” says the surgeon. “Lifts that rely on the skin for rejuvenation are going to look tight, have bad scarring and are not going to last very long.”
Maintained Facial Movement
Your surgeon should prioritize the maintenance of natural facial expressions post-surgery. “A well-executed facelift should not compromise natural facial movements,” says Dr. Afrooz. By understanding the delicate facial anatomy and preserving muscles responsible for animation—think smiling, frowning, laughing—your surgeon should ensure you can authentically express yourself without restriction.
Directionality of Tissue Repositioning
Dr. Lieberman emphasizes the importance of restoring tissue to its youthful position. “The directionality of tissue repositioning is really important in a facelift. As we age, the soft tissue of the face—brow, cheek, lower face or jowl area, and neck—descend in a reliable pattern, though there are subtle differences from person to person. During a lift, it is essential that descended tissue is restored back to its more youthful position following that person’s aging process exactly in reverse,” he says.
“For cheeks and high facial soft tissue, the direction of movement is mostly vertical, restoring the beauty and volume of what’s called the mid face,” Dr. Lieberman continues. “While there is vertical component throughout, the directionality, or vector, changes slightly as you go below the cheeks to the soft tissues of the lower face and neck. Surgeries where everything is pulled back or there is insufficient treatment of one area can look very unnatural. Mastery of facial anatomy is key.”
Attention to Detail
“There are countless tiny details that differentiate good from great,” says Dr. Lieberman. “These include knowing exactly how to release the aging tissue, tailoring the direction of the lift to the patient, being fanatical about incision placement and closure, how to manage challenging necklines, and how to maintain softness in a result while achieving the definition and shadowing of youth.”
The Bottom Line
Dr. Lieberman sums it up perfectly: “The very best facelifts balance the fundamentals with the details and ultimately look effortless.” However, the paramount factor is selecting the ideal board-certified plastic surgeon for your needs. Find the perfect match for you here.
