There are many variations on facelift procedures. They differ by the type of incision, the area of the face affect, how invasive the procedure is, and how many tissue layers they treat.
Short Scar Facelift
This type of lift is better for younger people in their 40s with minimal excess and sagging or someone who wants to minimize scarring. It has a small incision and does not extend behind the ear like a traditional facelift. There is less swelling, bruising and recovery time associated with this lift, but it may not be able to lift sagging skin the lower face and neck. Costs run $5,000 to $10,000.
Endoscopic Facelift
This lift is also ideal for younger people will less sagging. This lift uses an endoscope and very small incisions, which also means less risk of nerve damage, bruising and bleeding. In addition, it can be done as an outpatient procedure. This is not effective in sagging necks, only for cheek sagging. Costs are $5,000-$10,000.
Mid-Facelift
This facelift utilizes small incision inside the mouth and at the hairline to lift the fatty tissue over the cheek bones. It is useful for laugh lines and sagging cheeks. This provides more subtle results and is useful for people between age 40 and 50. The cost is $6,000-$10,000.
Thread Lift
This type of lift is considered non-surgical. Tiny suture barbs act as hooks to gather skin upwards and tighten skin. The suture remains in place, providing the facelift. No incisions, no recovery, and the thread lift is done under local anesthesia. This type of lift is good for people in their 30s or 40s that have minimal sagging, and costs $1,500 to $5,000.
SMAS Lift
The traditional facelift, the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) lift affected only the superficial layers of skin and the deeper tissues of the face and neck. It is considered the gold standard in facelifts for its safety and efficacy in correcting sagging skin and deep facial folds. In this facelift, an incision is made at the temple (above the hairline) and extended downward along the creases of your skin.
The surgeon then lifts the skin, removes the excess and secures it in place with sutures. This type of lift takes more time to perform than the above mentioned lifts, requires a longer recovery time period, but is more effective for patients age 45 and older with neck laxity, sagging and jowling. The effects will also last you longer. This type of facelift will run you around $10,000 to $15,000.
Deep Plane Lift
This lift goes deeper than the SMAS and requires an incision along the hairline. This lift is more extensive than an SMAS but is necessary for older people with severe facial sagging and laxity. This lift lasts a long time and provides dramatic effects, but is expensive at $10,000 to $16,000 and there are more risks associated with this lift, including nerve damage and bleeding.