Comparing upper facelift, mid facelift and lower facelift

For most people who are considering a facelift, their first step is to hit the web and do some research. It only takes about five minutes of that to realize that there are countless different types of facelifts. While the list could go on for miles, three of the most important terms to understand are upper facelift, mid facelift and lower facelift. Knowing these terms will help you start discerning which type of facelift may be an option for you.

How does each facelift technique differ?

First, it's important to understand the terms "upper face," "midface" and "lower face." Generally, the "upper face" is everything above your eyes (primarily your brow line and forehead). The term "midface" describes the area from the corners of your eyes to the corners of your mouth, so this includes your nose, cheeks and the area above your upper lip. Finally, the "lower face" includes everything below the corners of your mouth. That would include the nasolabial folds (laugh lines) and jawline. In many cases, a lower facelift addresses the area under the chin and the neck as well.

The term facelift is often misunderstood as well. Patients tend to assume that a typical facelift treats all three of these regions of the face. In reality, this surgery usually treats the lower two-thirds of the face – everything below the tops of the ears. An upper facelift (or brow lift), on the other hand, is a separate procedure, although it can often be performed at the same time as a facelift, depending on the patient's needs.

Which facelift is right for you?

Understanding the terminology is a great first step, but ultimately, getting the right type of facelift for you is all a matter of customization. The bottom line is that if you find a skilled, experienced and specialized board-certified plastic surgeon. They can tailor your procedure to fit your precise needs and desired goals. Keep in mind that each surgeon might take a different approach to treating your cosmetic concerns, so feel free to consult with a few different surgeons to find out which approach you prefer.