Face lift: what is it all about?

Face lift is an advanced surgical method aimed at comprehensive skin rejuvenation. This procedure not only removes excess sagging skin, but primarily precisely tightens deep tissue structures, restoring lost firmness and elasticity to the face.

The main goal of the procedure is to correct visible signs of aging. Rhytidectomy is used for:

• removing excess sagging skin,
• tightening deep tissue structures,
• correcting visible signs of aging,
• reducing sagging cheeks, colloquially called "hamster cheeks",
• smoothing deep wrinkles, including nasolabial folds,
• shaping the jawline and chin.

Thanks to these actions, the face oval regains a clear contour, and the skin gains a younger and more rested look.

Face lifting is an invasive procedure that requires precise incisions disguised along the hairline and around the ears. The key is working with the deep muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS), which covers the mimic muscles.

The choice of lifting technique depends on the degree of skin aging and the expected effects of the procedure. The following methods are available:

• Classic SMAS Lift: involves tensioning and lifting the aponeurosis itself, effectively correcting skin sagging and restoring the lost contour of the face,
• Deep Plane Face Lift: an advanced lifting technique where the surgeon operates below the SMAS layer, allowing for comprehensive tissue repositioning and providing natural and long-lasting results,
• Mini Lifting (MACS Lift): a less invasive procedure focusing mainly on correcting the lower part of the face and shaping the jawline,
• Targeted procedures (e.g., forehead or neck lifting): aimed at rejuvenating selected areas of the face, neck lifting is often combined with submental liposuction.

An effective, non-surgical facelift is an excellent alternative to invasive procedures. Thanks to it, you can forget about the scalpel and long recovery.

One of the methods of non-surgical lifting is thread lifting (e.g. PDO), which provides an immediate effect. Dissolvable threads introduced under the skin create a solid scaffold, intensely tightening and stimulating tissues.

Volumetry, also known as soft lifting, restores the lost volume to the face. Most often, fillers based on hyaluronic acid are used within its framework. Contours can also be effectively shaped with lipofilling – which involves the autologous transplantation of adipose tissue.

Advanced technology HIFU uses focused ultrasound to stimulate deep layers of the skin (SMAS), causing strong tissue contraction and providing a lifting effect. This therapy is often complemented with tissue stimulators, laser therapy, polynucleotides, or microneedle radiofrequency. Such a combination of different techniques is called hybrid lifting.

Each lifting procedure is preceded by a detailed consultation, during which the specialist discusses all the nuances. The type of anesthesia depends on the lifting method. Advanced techniques, such as SMAS or Deep Plane, require general anesthesia. Less invasive procedures, such as Mini Lift, can be performed under local anesthesia.

During the lift, precise incisions are made to then reposition deep tissue structures. After closing the skin with sutures, it is necessary to camouflage the resulting scars - they are hidden in the hairline or natural creases, making them almost invisible. A special dressing is applied immediately.

Full recovery after the procedure usually takes from 2 to 4 weeks. During this period, the patient may experience temporary swelling and bruising, which gradually subsides. Return to daily activities is typically possible after 2 weeks.

Surgical facelift provides the most spectacular and long-lasting results, which can last up to 10-15 years. Thanks to precise tensioning of deep tissue structures, there is a noticeable improvement in the face contour. Sagging tissues, commonly referred to as "hamster cheeks," are effectively eliminated. Additionally, deep wrinkles are smoothed out, and the skin regains lost firmness and elasticity.

On the other hand, non-surgical methods offer more subtle effects that are significantly less long-lasting. Regular repetition of procedures is necessary to maintain the desired appearance. Volumetric lifting with hyaluronic acid lasts only 6-18 months. Although thread lifting provides more lasting results (usually lasting 1-5 years), it still requires more frequent repetition than traditional surgical facelift.

Qualifying for an invasive procedure such as facelift surgery requires meeting strict health criteria. This is necessary to achieve lasting and satisfying results, as this procedure is associated with a number of absolute contraindications.

The most important factors excluding facelift surgery include:

• smoking, which drastically increases the risk of complications and hinders wound healing,
• uncontrolled diabetes,
• active inflammatory processes,
• serious heart conditions,
• blood clotting disorders,
• autoimmune diseases.

The potential surgical risks are associated with the use of general anesthesia. Patients must also be prepared for the possibility of:

• infections,
• hematomas,
• issues with proper wound healing,
• visible scars,
• facial asymmetry.

The costs of a facelift are determined by several factors: the chosen technique, the extent of the procedure, and the prestige of the clinic.

Surgical procedures incur the highest expenses. A standard SMAS facelift costs several thousand zlotys. However, utilizing more advanced methods like the Deep Plane Face Lift can exceed 75,000 zlotys. This significant difference stems from the greater invasiveness of the procedure, which also leads to much more long-lasting and profound effects.

Non-surgical facelift alternatives, which do not require a scalpel, are significantly cheaper. For example, the cost of a thread lift (e.g., PDO) typically ranges from 4,000 to 8,000 zlotys. The prices of volumetric procedures using fillers (hyaluronic acid) or HIFU technology vary depending on the size of the treated area and the amount of product used.