02 May 2025
While there are a myriad of aesthetic options for addressing facial aging, the gold standard for improving sagging skin and tissues is going to be a facelift. This is a surgical procedure that allows me to lift and tighten the skin, tissues and muscles, if necessary, in order to restore a brighter, more youthful but still natural-looking countenance. Deciding on whether or not a facelift is the right option for you should always begin with an in-person consultation with a Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon such as myself. Any aesthetic procedure is only effective if it suits your anatomy and needs. Furthermore, there are a number of different facelift techniques. These include options such as a deep plane facelift, traditional facelift and mini-facelift. Here is a brief overview of their differences.
Deep Plane Facelift for Most Advanced Facial Rejuvenation in Boston
My practice philosophy is to always deliver an elegant, totally natural-looking result. I never want anyone to know that you had “work” done unless you decide to tell them. For this reason, I am an advocate of the deep plane facelift. This advanced facial rejuvenation technique allows me to target your deeper facial tissues, including the SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System), to:
- Improve the appearance of “jowling”
- Plump up volume in the mid-face
- Diminish deeper lines and wrinkles
- Lift and tighten loose skin in the face and neck
- Create or restore a crisp, defined jawline
Furthermore, you get all of these benefits without any unnatural looking “pull” on the surface of the skin. The end result is how you would look after a month long spa vacation except these results are long-lasting. A deep plane facelift produces a robust rejuvenation and is ideal for patients with a moderate to severe amount of sagging in the lower face and neck.
Potential Downside of a Traditional Facelift
A traditional facelift, on the other hand, occurs on a more superficial level. While it may also address the SMAS layer, the potential downside of this kind of facelift is that it’s not a good choice for patients with a lot of looseness in their skin and tissues. It also may result, particularly in the hands of a less experienced surgeon, in a more “pulled” appearance as it places more tension on the surface of the skin. However, this can be a good choice for younger patients who want to restore their youthful glow, but who may not yet have an extensive amount of sagging.
What is a Mini-Facelift?
The last facelift technique is a mini-facelift. This is a less invasive technique that truly only addresses the lower 1/3 of the face as opposed to a deep plane or traditional facelift which addresses the entirety of your face. A mini-facelift can also be a nice option for younger patients in their 30’s and early 40’s who want to brighten their appearance, but don’t necessarily need significant rejuvenation. The benefits of this technique include:
- Shorter recovery
- Minimal scars
While this is an approach that many would like for the above reasons, it is not for everyone. Generally, most of the facial rejuvenation patients who come to see me in one of our Boston area offices have a degree of facial aging that cannot be appropriately addressed with a mini-facelift. I will be completely honest with you during your initial consultation about which technique would best suit your individual anatomy and desired outcome. We will discuss the pros and cons of each, including cost. While a less invasive choice may be slightly less expensive, if it will not achieve your goals then it’s been a waste of both your time and money, and this is not something that either of us want.
To find out more about a deep plane facelift, traditional facelift, mini-facelift, or any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Akshay Sanan at the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, contact us today or call (617) 402-2768 to schedule a consultation.
