By Dr. Nikolas Block-Wheeler
There is a wide variety of facelift techniques available these days. Many of these techniques are industry-standard options that create incredible results, while others are simply marketing buzzwords. It can be difficult for people to understand the differences between facelift options, and patients are often confused about which option is best for them.
At The Block-Wheeler Clinic in San Francisco, we avoid buzzword techniques in favor of options that have proven effective time and again. Dr. Nikolas Block-Wheeler offers several approaches to facial rejuvenation, including the Ponytail Lift, SMAS facelift, and deep-plane facelift. Depending on the procedure and the patient’s individual needs, he also performs awake facelifts and facelifts under general anesthesia.
Ponytail Lift
A Ponytail Lift is a more targeted approach to facial rejuvenation that focuses primarily on the temples, outer brows, and upper cheeks. The procedure uses strategically placed incisions concealed within the hairline to lift and reposition facial tissues, helping address early signs of aging while maintaining the patient’s natural facial characteristics.
Compared with a more comprehensive SMAS or deep-plane facelift, a Ponytail Lift may be appropriate for patients whose concerns are concentrated higher on the face and who do not yet require extensive correction of the lower face and neck. Dr. Block-Wheeler can determine whether this targeted approach or a more comprehensive facelift technique is better suited to the patient’s anatomy and goals.
SMAS Facelift
A SMAS facelift elevates the facial tissues starting at the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer. Traditional facelifts focused on lifting the skin, which created unnatural-looking results. SMAS facelifts avoid this by lifting the underlying tissues and the skin as a single unit. This results in a very natural-looking appearance.
SMAS facelifts correct skin laxity and wrinkles in the midface, the lower face, and the neck. They’re an excellent option for addressing mild to moderate skin laxity. In some cases, they can be less expensive than the deep-plane facelift, and they’re also less invasive.
Deep-Plane Facelift
A deep-plane facelift is different from an SMAS facelift in several ways. It involves lifting from the deep plane of the facial tissues, which is located beneath the SMAS layer. It also involves releasing key ligaments, allowing for more comprehensive tissue repositioning.
Thanks to these aspects of the deep-plane facelift, surgeons can achieve even more natural-looking, longer-lasting facial revitalization than with the SMAS facelift. The deep-plane facelift is also a better choice for patients with moderate to severe facial aging.
Awake Facelift vs. General Anesthesia
The type of anesthesia utilized during a facelift varies based on the specific facelift procedure you choose. If you’re undergoing a deep-plane facelift, you’ll most likely require general anesthesia. However, if you’re undergoing an SMAS facelift, an awake facelift is an option.
General anesthesia is the ideal choice for a deep-plane facelift, as the procedure is more invasive and involves lifting the deeper facial tissues. During the surgery, because the patient is fully unconscious, they will feel no pain or discomfort.
Because SMAS facelifts are less invasive than deep-plane facelifts, they can be performed as awake facelifts and do not require general anesthesia. This allows the patient to avoid the risks and potential side effects associated with general anesthesia.
An awake facelift is performed under local anesthesia with mild oral sedation. Because of this, the patient is awake but drowsy and relaxed for the duration of the procedure. They can change their facial expression when directed by the surgeon, which allows the surgeon to make subtler adjustments in response. As with general anesthesia, the patient will not feel any pain or discomfort during an awake facelift.
Which Facelift Option Is Right for Me?
The right facelift for you will depend on factors such as your aesthetic goals and lifestyle. Your skin quality and your age should also be considered when choosing between facelift techniques.
The best way to determine which type of facelift is right for you is by visiting a plastic surgeon. A skilled facial plastic surgeon has the training and experience needed to recommend the ideal facelift techniques to achieve your needs and goals.
During a consultation, an experienced facial plastic surgeon will perform a detailed facial examination and listen to your aesthetic goals. Gathering this information will help them decide on the perfect facelift for you.
Why Choose Dr. Block-Wheeler for Your Facelift in San Francisco?
At The Block-Wheeler Clinic in San Francisco, expert facial plastic surgeon Dr. Nikolas Block-Wheeler specializes in performing safe, high-quality facelift procedures. Dr. Block-Wheeler has years of experience achieving natural-looking facial rejuvenation, and his deep medical training speaks for itself.
He received his M.D. from the University of California, San Francisco’s School of Medicine. He also received an M.S. in Science: Health and Medical Sciences from the University of California, Berkeley’s School of Public Health.
Dr. Block-Wheeler completed his residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Kaiser Permanente, Northern California. He followed this with a specialized fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Arrange a Personalized Facelift Consultation
Contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Block-Wheeler to determine which facelift procedure is right for you. To schedule an appointment at our San Francisco facility, contact us at (415) 320-7720. Your perfect facelift is just a phone call away.
