Which Facelift Type Fits You Best? A Surgeon Explains Your Options

The face is one of the areas where aging is most noticeable, and over time, the skin loses elasticity, sags, and loses volume. Facelift surgery not only makes you look younger but also preserves the natural proportions of your facial features, keeping your expression fresh and vibrant. However, every face is different, and the signs of aging do not appear the same in everyone. Therefore, it is very important to determine which facelift method is best for you. To guide you at this point, we have created the content titled “Which Facelift Type Fits You Best? A Surgeon Explains Your Options.” You can find detailed information by taking a look at our content.

Why Is It Important to Choose the Right Facelift Method?

Choosing the right facelift method is one of the most critical factors determining the success of the outcome, both aesthetically and functionally. This is because each individual's facial structure, skin thickness, degree of sagging, and pattern of aging are different; therefore, the technique to be applied must be customized according to these characteristics. Otherwise, choosing the wrong method can distort the natural proportions of the face, create stiffness in facial expressions, or lead to temporary results that wear off quickly. For example, performing a full facelift on someone with only mild sagging is unnecessarily invasive, while opting for only thread lifts or superficial procedures on a patient with deep tissue laxity may fail to achieve the desired tightness. Furthermore, each method has a different recovery time, permanence, and risk profile. Therefore, before a facelift procedure, a detailed analysis of the face's anatomical structure should be performed by an expert aesthetic surgeon, and the most suitable technique should be determined by considering the person's age, lifestyle, and expectations. Thus, choosing the right method not only rejuvenates the face while preserving its natural expression but also helps achieve a satisfying and balanced appearance in the long term.

What are the Face Lift Methods?

There are many types of facelifts depending on the individual's needs. This type of facelift is determined and applied according to the individual's needs. The methods in question are as follows:

Subperiosteal Facelift

Subperiosteal facelift is an advanced facelift technique that involves intervention in the deep layers of the face, particularly beneath the periosteum. In this technique, the facial muscles and soft tissues are separated from the bone and repositioned higher up. In this context, subperiosteal facelift is suitable for people aged 40–60 with medium to thick skin and moderate to advanced sagging. For this reason, it provides a noticeable rejuvenation in the midface area, especially the cheekbones and under the eyes.

S-Lift Facelift

S-Lift takes its name from the “S”-shaped incision made in front of the ear and provides tightening of the skin and tissues in a more limited area. This method is slightly more comprehensive than a mini facelift but less invasive than a classic facelift. Therefore, it is suitable for people aged 35–50 with mild loss of elasticity and thin or medium-thick skin, for mild to moderate sagging. The S-Lift facelift is particularly preferred for patients who want to tighten the jawline and lower face area.

Endoscopic Facelift

Endoscopic facelift is a minimally invasive procedure performed through small incisions with the aid of a camera. In this method, the deep layer of muscles and tissues is lifted and secured using an endoscope, leaving virtually invisible scars and a short recovery period. In this context, endoscopic facelift is suitable for people aged 30–45 with thin or medium-thick skin that has good elasticity and slight sagging. It is particularly effective in eliminating early signs of aging in the eyebrow, forehead, and mid-face areas.

Deep Plane Facelift

Deep plane facelift is one of the most comprehensive and deep face lift techniques. In this method, not only the skin but also the muscles and connective tissues under the skin are repositioned. The aim is to lift the facial contours without compromising their natural appearance. For individuals researching deep plane facelift cost Turkey, deep plane facelift is performed on individuals aged 45–70 with thick skin that has lost much of its elasticity and has advanced sagging. It also provides dramatic yet natural rejuvenation for those with significant sagging in the cheeks, jawline, and neck areas.

Mid Facelift

A mid-facelift focuses on the middle part of the face, specifically targeting the cheekbones, under-eye area, and nasolabial region. For individuals considering a mid facelift Turkey, it is typically performed using endoscopic techniques and does not involve the lower face or neck. It is suitable for individuals aged 35–55 with medium-thick skin and moderate loss of elasticity who experience moderate sagging. It is also an ideal option for patients with pronounced under-eye bags, cheek sagging, and nasolabial lines.

Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is one of the least invasive surgical face-lifting methods, performed using small incisions. For individuals considering a mini facelift Turkey, this method tightens the jawline and cheeks. As a result, the recovery period is very short, and a natural appearance is achieved. This mini facelift procedure is suitable for individuals between the ages of 30 and 45 with thin or medium-thick skin that has good elasticity and mild sagging. As a result, it is an excellent option for patients with a busy work schedule or those who desire a quick recovery.

Traditional Facelift

The classic facelift is the most comprehensive of all facelift procedures. As a result of this procedure, both the skin and the underlying muscle tissue are reshaped through incisions made along the hairline, in front of the ears, and behind the ears. For this reason, it is usually performed in conjunction with a neck lift. Therefore, the traditional facelift method is suitable for individuals aged 50 and over who have thick skin that has lost much of its elasticity and who experience advanced sagging. As a result, it provides long-lasting and powerful rejuvenation for those with noticeable signs of aging throughout the entire face and neck area. For a more detailed comparison of this approach with deeper techniques, you can review the article “Deep Plane Facelift vs. Traditional Facelift: Which is better?” to better understand which method aligns with different patient needs.

What Should You Pay Attention to to Choose the Right Face Lift Method?

When choosing the right facelift procedure, you need to pay attention to certain key points. This way, you can achieve better results from the procedures. In this context, here are the things you should consider when choosing the right facelift method:

• Not all skin ages in the same way. Skin thickness, elasticity level, and moisture balance play an important role in determining the method to be used. Therefore, a detailed skin analysis performed by your surgeon will help you choose the right method.
• Methods such as mini facelifts or thread lifts are sufficient for mild sagging, while SMAS or deep plane facelifts are more effective for advanced sagging. Knowing the depth of the sagging prevents unnecessary interventions.
• When performed by a surgeon who is knowledgeable about facial anatomy, a facelift produces natural results. In inexperienced hands, however, it can lead to an unnatural, asymmetrical, or tight appearance. For this reason, you should work with an experienced surgeon.
• A facelift does not make you a completely different person; it provides a younger, more rested, and natural appearance. Therefore, focus on realistic results.
• Clearly share your goals, concerns, and desired changes. This will ensure that the surgeon understands you correctly and creates a personalized plan.
• Surgical procedures (SMAS, classic facelift) offer long-lasting results, while non-surgical procedures (Ultherapy, Thermage, thread lift) are less invasive but have temporary effects. Therefore, you should make your decision based on your age, time, and expectations.
• Every face ages differently. In some people, the cheek area sags more, while in others, it is the neck or jawline. Therefore, the method to be applied should be chosen in a way that preserves the overall balance of the face.
• A method that maintains a natural appearance not only immediately but also years later should be preferred.
• Get clear information about the procedure duration, type of anesthesia, possible side effects, and recovery period. This will help you be psychologically prepared and go through the process comfortably.

Which Type of Facelift Surgery Produces the Most Natural Result?

The most natural-looking facelift results vary depending on the individual's age, skin elasticity, degree of sagging, and overall facial anatomy. However, the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) facelift technique is generally considered one of the methods that provides the most natural results. In this technique, not only the skin but also the underlying muscle and connective tissue layer are repositioned. Thus, while the facial contours are lifted upward, the facial expression retains its naturalness and does not appear “stretched” or “mask-like.” In addition, the SMAS technique provides long-lasting results because it effectively rejuvenates both the midface and lower face areas. Less invasive methods, such as mini facelifts or endoscopic facelifts, can provide a more natural and subtle rejuvenation for individuals with early signs of aging. Ultimately, the key to achieving a natural result is selecting a technique that suits the individual's facial anatomy and ensuring the surgeon performs the procedure with minimal tissue tension without compromising the face's proportions a process best evaluated by an experienced facial plastic surgeon Turkey.

So Which Facelift Procedure is Best For Me?

The most suitable facelift procedure for you is determined based on many factors, such as your age, skin type, degree of sagging, expectations, and lifestyle. For example, in people under the age of 40, skin elasticity is usually still preserved, so less invasive methods such as mini facelifts or thread lifts may be sufficient. However, for middle-aged and older individuals, especially those with noticeable sagging in the cheeks, jawline, and neck, more comprehensive surgical methods such as SMAS facelift or deep plane facelift are preferred. These techniques tighten not only the skin but also the muscles and connective tissues, providing longer-lasting and more balanced rejuvenation. Additionally, for some patients, regional lift procedures focusing solely on the lower face or neck area may be effective instead of a full facelift. Therefore, it is crucial to undergo a detailed evaluation with an experienced plastic surgeon who analyzes facial anatomy and considers your personal expectations to make the most appropriate choice.

If you want to have the most suitable facelift procedure for yourself, you can contact Dr. Berke Özücer and his professional team, who are experts in facelifts in Turkey.