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Facelift Patient Decision Guide

Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery

Introduction

Facelift Patient Decision Guide

Choosing the right facelift means selecting the option that best matches your anatomy, degree of facial aging, recovery preferences, and long-term goals. At Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery, we guide individuals, whether from here in Indianapolis or from across the country, through the different facelift options and determine which one is best for them. Dr. Mark Hamilton focuses exclusively on facial plastic surgery, allowing for specialized planning and natural, long-lasting outcomes. If you are exploring your options for facelift procedures, this guide is for you!

1. Start With Your Main Goal

Identify what you want most:

  • A. Comprehensive rejuvenation of the face and neck

    • Best for moderate-to-severe sagging, jowls, deeper folds, cheek descent, and neck laxity
    • Lifts beneath the SMAS layer (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and platysma in the deeper plane for structural repositioning
    • Often compared with other advanced techniques, including the extended SMAS facelift, which also addresses deeper facial support tissues.
    • Releases all of the major ligaments
    • Provides comprehensive correction of the midface, lower face, jawline, and neck- best facelift technique for lifting the cheeks
    • Known for natural, long-lasting rejuvenation without an overly pulled appearance
    • Longer recovery:  Often 2 to 3+ weeks

     

    • Extended SMAS Facelift

    • More extensive skin undermining
    • Still works in the deep plane
    • Less exposure to and risk of facial nerve
    • Less Zygomatic ligament release and thus less cheek lift
    • Advantages are lower risks of nerve injury and potentially better for heavily wrinkled skin
    • Recovery: Often 2 to 3+ weeks

  • B. Early aging or mild sagging

    • Mini Facelift 

    • Best for mild jowls, early laxity, and softening of the jawline
    • It uses smaller incisions and less lifting than a deep-plane facelift.
    • Shorter downtime than more extensive facelift surgery
    • Ideal for a subtle but meaningful improvement 
    • Shorter downtime: Often around 1 to 2 weeks

    • Preservation Facelift

    • Utilizes limited skin delamination to preserve blood supply and tissue integrity
    • Often performed in conjunction with deep plane facelift techniques, so lifting occurs in the deeper tissues rather than through superficial tension.
    • Allows for effective facial rejuvenation while minimizing disruption to surrounding structures
    • Advantages may include quicker healing, less swelling, and a lower risk of skin-related complications.
    • Appropriate for select patients seeking advanced facial rejuvenation with a tissue-preserving approach
    • Shorter downtime: Often around 1 to 2 weeks

  • C. Neck aging is the main concern

    • Best for loose neck skin, neck banding, or fullness of the chin
    • Often combined with facelift surgery for balanced results
    • Improves jawline and neck definition
    • Good option when the neck ages faster than the face
    • Shorter downtime: Often around 2 weeks (depending on the extent of correction and whether it is combined with facelift surgery)

    • Deep Neck Lift

    • Ideal for younger patients with minimal skin laxity, but a full neck
    • Involves a single incision under the chin
    • Works on deeper tissues (digastric muscle, deep fat, submandibular gland) for neck contouring
    • Can be combined with a facelift
    • Moderate recovery: 2+ weeks (depending on whether it’s combined with facelift surgery)

  • D. Not ready for surgery

    • Best for mild laxity, early aging, and subtle contouring
    • BOTOX softens expression lines
    • Dermal fillers restore volume in the cheeks, jawline, or folds
    • Sculptra gradually stimulates collagen
    • Not effective for moderate-to-severe sagging or excess skin
    • Minimal downtime: Injectables and non-surgical treatments (1-3 days)

2. Consider Downtime & Recovery

  • Minimal downtime: Injectables and non-surgical treatments (1-3 days)
  • Shorter downtime: Mini facelift (often around 1 to 2 weeks)
  • Moderate recovery: Neck lift, depending on whether it’s combined with facelift surgery (2+ weeks)
  • Longer recovery:  Extended deep plane facelift and extended SMAS facelift (often 2 to 3+ weeks)

Bruising, swelling, and temporary tightness are common after facelift surgery.

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3. Evaluate Surgical Complexity vs. Your Needs

  • Least complex: Non-surgical treatments
  • Moderate complexity: Mini facelift, neck lift
  • Most comprehensive: Extended deep plane facelift and extended SMAS facelift

The best choice is based on your anatomy and goals.

4. Evaluate What Procedure is Needed

You may be a candidate for a facelift if you have:

  • Cheek laxity
  • Jowls or jawline heaviness
  • Loose skin of the neck
  • Neck banding or fullness
  • Deep folds or visible aging changes
  • Good overall health for elective surgery
  • Realistic expectations about recovery and results

A consultation with Dr. Hamilton is the best way to confirm if you are a good candidate.

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5. Consider Possible Adjunctive Treatments

Depending on your anatomy and goals, Dr. Hamilton may recommend combining facelift surgery with complementary procedures to further enhance facial balance and rejuvenation.

  • Autologous Facial Fat Grafting
  • Pre-jowl correction
  • Chin Augmentation
  • Laser skin resurfacing

6. Longevity of Results

  • Temporary: Injectables and fillers (months to a few years, depending on treatment)
  • Long-lasting: Mini facelift and neck lift (5-10 years), extended SMAS (8-10 years)
  • Longest-lasting: Extended deep plane facelift (10 years plus)

Healthy habits and skin care help maintain results.

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Drainless Facelift Technology

At Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Hamilton utilizes fibrin sealants, typically Tisseel®, at the conclusion of facelift procedures. By securing tissue planes and minimizing fluid accumulation, this advanced technique allows most patients to avoid traditional surgical drains.

Benefits may include:

  • Improved comfort during recovery
  • Reduced post-operative management
  • Reduced risk of fluid accumulation and the inconveniences associated with surgical drains
  • A more convenient recovery experience

Quick Selector

Ask yourself:

  • Do I want temporary improvement or surgery?
  • Is my concern the face, the neck, or both?
  • How much downtime can I tolerate?
  • Do I want a subtle change or a comprehensive rejuvenation?

Schedule a
Consultation

If you are considering facelift surgery, the next step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark Hamilton. He will provide a comprehensive evaluation, including facial anatomy and structure, an assessment of facial and neck aging, and an evaluation of the role of potential other cosmetic procedures. This will then be followed by a discussion of long-term goals and his professional recommendation for the most appropriate options for you. Professionally directed video imaging may be utilized to help you visualize your results.

Whether you are interested in an extended deep plane facelift, a mini facelift or non-surgical treatment, Dr. Hamilton’s focus is on providing you with refreshed, natural-looking results. Contact Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery today to explore your facelift options in Indianapolis.

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