With age, the relief of the face undergoes significant changes. This is primarily due to a decrease in the number of cells forming the subcutaneous fat layer. As a result, the skin sags and loses elasticity, wrinkles form, blisters appear and the second chin grows. Cosmetics in this case do not help much, and many are thinking about solving the problem with the help of surgery.

Types of surgical facelift methods

One of the most popular procedures is a facelift, or facelift. Types of plastic surgery facelift operations are classified:

• according to the technique of the procedure — open methods (the stages of the operation are carried out through a classical incision) and the endoscopic method (several small punctures are made, the operation is performed using an endoscope);
• depending on the adjustment zone — the upper third of the face (front lifting), the middle part (check lifting), the lower third and neck (S-lifting);
• lifting depths — surface, or classic, circular lifting, mini facelift, SMAS lifting and deep lifting.

Let's consider the features of the main techniques, which are also often used in combination with each other.

Classic circular lift

Despite the emergence and development of new methods, the classic circular lift remains the most popular procedure. At the same time, it is also the most traumatic method of surgical intervention. The operation is performed only under general anesthesia and lasts from two to three hours. First, a small incision is made in the temporal region towards the back of the head. Then the skin is gently shifted, fixed with seams in a new position, and its excess is excised. With this operation, you can correct not only almost all areas of the face, but also the front and side areas of the neck.

Recovery after surgery can last up to four months, and then the final result will be known. The effect of it will be noticeable for up to 10 years, but the duration depends on the skill of the surgeon who performed the operation, as well as the individual characteristics of the body. The disadvantage is that only the upper layers of the skin fall under the influence.

SMAS-facelift

The surgical method of SMAS-lifting should not be confused with the non-surgical method of the same name, which implies the use of an ultrasound device of the same name. The whole point here is in the abbreviation SMS, which stands for the muscular-aponeurotic layer of facial tissues. That is, the effect occurs not only on the skin, but also on the muscle layer, which provides a more natural look and a lasting result. The operation is also complicated and time-consuming, lasts about four hours. This method is suitable as a repeated plastic surgery, and is also used to correct unsuccessful braces made with the help of a classic circular lift.

Endoscopic facelift

The endoscopic method is mainly used for lifting the upper part of the face (forehead, eyebrow area). As a result of manipulations, the cheekbones and nasolabial fold are also corrected. This is the most gentle technique, but it is not a complete alternative to the classical and SMAS method, since the impact is possible only on certain areas. At the same time, it is often used with them in combination to get a better result. Contraindications to the use of the endoscopic method are some diseases, in particular, diabetes, problems with the cardiovascular system, thyroid gland, internal organs.

Spacelift

Space facial plastic surgery, or Mendelssohn lifting, is used to correct the lower and partially middle areas of the face. The essence of the method is based on the anatomical features of the facial structure. The facial muscles are attached to the bones with one side, and to the skin with the other. With age, the free space in the joints increases, and it is with him that the work is carried out.

The surgeon penetrates through small incisions into the desired area and with the help of special tools returns the tissues that have lost their original shape to their place and fixes them. Thus, after the operation, the face acquires the outlines that it had in its youth, and remains natural. Also, when using this method, a long-lasting effect is guaranteed. Spaceplasty can be used for different types of aging and its degree, and also goes well with other techniques.

There are many surgical methods of facelift. Which one of them is suitable for a particular patient can only be decided by a doctor after consultation and examination.