What is a facelift?
A facelift lifts a sagging face, jawline and neck starting from the SMAS layer beneath the skin. How it works, who it suits and how it differs from other lifting methods.
A facelift is surgery that returns facial tissue that has descended with age to its place. The key is that it lifts and fixes not just the skin but the SMAS — the muscle-fascia layer beneath the skin that supports the shape of the face.
Why work on the SMAS?
Sagging isn't only a skin problem: the fat and SMAS beneath it descend too. Pulling only the skin can make expressions look unnatural and may not last, so the descended layer itself is lifted and the excess skin then trimmed.
When it is considered
- The jawline has softened and the tissue under the chin (double chin, jowls) has sagged
- Nasolabial folds and marionette lines have deepened
- Neck skin and neck bands have loosened as well
- Threads or non-surgical treatments no longer give the improvement you want
The procedure in outline
Incisions are made where scars are hard to see, such as in front of and behind the ear; the SMAS is lifted and fixed and excess skin trimmed. The extent of the incisions and whether the neck is lifted too depend on the degree and area of sagging. At Cejong it is performed under sedation, usually takes about 3–4 hours, and you can go home the same day.
How it differs from other methods
- A thread lift lifts tissue with threads, without an incision — recovery is quicker, but its scope and duration are limited.
- A mini facelift uses shorter incisions and is considered for relatively mild sagging.
Frequently asked questions
From what age is it considered? The degree of sagging and the condition of the skin matter more than age. Even at the same age, the suitable method depends on the sagging.
How long does the effect last? Lifted tissue continues to age over time. How long the result holds varies with skin, lifestyle, weight changes and other factors.