Types of facelift surgery

Facelift surgery is highly individualised. Dr. Gino Vissers offers several advanced facelift techniques depending on your anatomy, aesthetic goals, and personal preferences.

Deep plane facelift

The deep plane facelift is an advanced facelift technique that lifts and repositions the deeper structural layers of the face rather than simply tightening the skin. It is considered the gold-standard for a facelift in most patients. In this procedure, Dr. Gino Vissers releases key facial retaining ligaments and elevates the skin together with the underlying SMAS and facial fat pads as one composite layer, allowing the midface and jawline to be repositioned more effectively. By addressing the deeper causes of facial ageing, a deep plane facelift can produce more natural and longer-lasting results, particularly in the cheeks, while avoiding the tight or pulled appearance associated with older skin-only techniques. This approach is particularly beneficial for patients with more advanced facial ageing, significant jowls, or deep folds, and when performed by an qualified consultant plastic surgeon it can provide comprehensive rejuvenation of the midface, jawline, and neck.

MACS facelift

The MACS facelift (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension lift) is a short-scar facelift technique designed to improve early to moderate facial ageing with smaller incisions and a relatively quicker recovery. The procedure focuses on lifting the deeper facial tissues using imbrication sutures anchored to the deep temporal fascia near the temple, which helps elevate the cheeks and improve jowling. Because the incision is usually limited to the area in front of the ear, it avoids the longer scars associated with more extensive facelift procedures. The MACS facelift can be suitable for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity, particularly in the midface and jawline.

SMAS plication facelift

A SMAS plication facelift is an older facelift technique that focuses on tightening the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), the fibromuscular layer beneath the skin that plays an important role in facial support. In this approach, the skin is first elevated and the SMAS layer is then folded and secured with sutures to tighten and reposition the underlying tissues. This can improve mild to moderate sagging in the lower face and jawline while maintaining a relatively straightforward surgical procedure. For patients who are not suitable to have a deep plane facelift, a SMAS plication facelift can provide natural-looking improvement.

Mini facelift

A “mini facelift” is often used as a marketing term rather than a clearly defined surgical procedure.

Unlike established facelift techniques that address the deeper structural layers of the face, the term “mini facelift” can refer to a wide variety of limited or short-scar procedures, and there is no universally accepted surgical definition. Because these operations typically involve less extensive lifting of the deeper tissues, the improvement may be modest and the results may not last as long as those achieved with a comprehensive facelift.

While a smaller procedure may be appropriate for selected patients with very early signs of ageing, individuals seeking meaningful and long-lasting rejuvenation of the jawline and neck often achieve more reliable results with a full facelift that addresses the underlying facial structures.

Combined face and neck lift

A combined face and neck lift is a comprehensive surgical approach that addresses both the lower face and the neck in a single procedure, providing harmonious and balanced rejuvenation. While a traditional facelift improves the cheeks and jawline, it may not fully correct loose skin, muscle banding, or fat accumulation in the neck. By combining the two procedures, the surgeon can lift and tighten the SMAS layer of the face, remove excess skin, and correct neck laxity or platysmal bands, resulting in a smoother jawline and a more youthful neck contour. This approach ensures that the lower face and neck age naturally together, avoiding the disconnected appearance that can occur when the neck is left untreated. Patients typically achieve more natural-looking and long-lasting results compared with a facelift or neck lift performed in isolation, making this combination the preferred option for those with moderate to advanced signs of facial ageing.

Facelift surgery for men

Facelift surgery in men requires a slightly different surgical approach compared with women because of differences in facial anatomy, hair patterns, and aesthetic goals. Male patients typically have thicker skin, stronger facial musculature, and beard-bearing areas that must be carefully considered when planning incisions to avoid visible scars or displacement of hair-bearing skin. The aim of a male facelift is usually to restore a stronger, well-defined jawline and neck contour, while maintaining a natural, masculine appearance rather than creating an over-tight or feminised result. Particular attention is paid to incision placement around the sideburn and ear to preserve a natural hairline and allow normal shaving patterns after surgery. When performed with these considerations in mind, facelift surgery can provide men with subtle and long-lasting facial rejuvenation while preserving their characteristic facial features.