What Are the Different Types of Facelifts?

What Are the Different Types of Facelifts?

Not all facelifts are the same. Here is a guide to the main types and how they differ.

Several facelift techniques exist, ranging from minimally invasive to comprehensive. The right one depends on your anatomy and goals.

• 1. SMAS facelift (superficial musculoaponeurotic system):
• The most common and versatile facelift technique
• Tightens the muscle layer beneath the skin
• Lifts the cheek, jawline (jowls), and neck
• Long-lasting results (10–15 years)
• Incisions around the ear and into the hairline

• 2. Deep plane facelift:
• Lifts even deeper tissues, including the cheek fat
• Produces the most dramatic, natural-looking lift
• Better for patients with significant sagging
• Longer recovery than SMAS facelift
• Often recommended for older patients

• 3. Mini facelift (limited incision facelift):
• Shorter incisions (limited to the front of the ear)
• Less recovery time
• Best for younger patients (40s–50s) with mild sagging
• Less dramatic result than a full facelift
• Also called a "weekend facelift"

• 4. Mid facelift:
• Focuses on the cheek area
• Addresses nasolabial folds and cheek sagging
• Often combined with lower eyelid surgery
• Incisions inside the mouth or lower eyelid

• 5. Thread lift (non-surgical):
• Uses temporary sutures to lift the skin
• Results last 1–2 years
• Less invasive but much less dramatic
• Not a substitute for a surgical facelift

Clinical Guidance

The main types of facelifts are SMAS (standard), deep plane (most dramatic), mini (less recovery), and mid facelift (cheek-focused). Your surgeon will recommend the technique based on your facial anatomy and the degree of aging you want to address.