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What is a Facelift?

A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic facial surgical procedure. The primary goal of a facelift is to create a more youthful appearance by reducing laxity, sagging, and/or folds on the cheeks, jawline, mouth (marionette lines), and neck. Facelifts can also be performed in combination with a forehead and eyelid lift (“blepharoplasty”) or a rhinoplasty.

Generally speaking, facelifts involve three main steps: incision, the procedure, and closure. Facelifts involve pulling back a portion of skin on each side of the patient’s face, with tissues below the skin surgically modified to improve the facial contour of the face, making it appear younger. This process allows the skin to be elevated and the underlying muscles (platysma) and tissues to be tightened. The facial skin in then pulled over the new facial contours. Excess skin is removed before the skin portions are sutured shut.

Depending on the techniques used by the surgeon and individual patient preferences, the incision types can vary. Traditional facelift incisions begin in the hairline at the temples, pass in front of the ears, and end behind the ears in the lower scalp. Neck lift incisions begin in front of the earlobe and continue around the ear to the lower scalp, along with a small incision under the chin. A limited incision is a smaller incision that begins in the hairline above the ear, goes in front of your ear, but does not go as far as the lower scalp.

The procedure typically takes 2.5 – 3.5 hours for a traditional facelift. If other procedures such as a forehead lift are included, the procedure may take several hours longer. Candidates for facelifts tend to be between the ages of 40 – 70, with some patients being well into their 80’s. 

Types of Facelifts

Facelift technology is constantly evolving, and as a result there are many types of facelift techniques including mid-face lifts, neck lifts, brow lifts, face, chin, & neck liposuction, mini facelifts, deep plane facelifts, SMAS facelifts, plicated SMAS facelifts, subperiosteal facelifts, endoscopic facelifts, deep plane facelifst, and mini facelifts.

SMAS Facelift


SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) refers to a thin fibrous layer that extends over the front of the face and neck, supports important movement-related muscles in your face, and extends with the platysma neck muscle. SMAS facelifts target the mid and lower part of the face and neck, including the areas associated with smile lines (“nasolabial folds”) and sagging cheeks and jowls. The incisions made are similar to a traditional facelift. The surgeon then performs a superficial dissection using facelift scissors.

Subperiosteal Facelift

Subperiosteal Facelift

 

A subperiosteal facelift targets the top part of the face and lifts the soft tissues of the face vertically, allowing for soft tissue repositioning and remodeling. A relatively small portion of hair is removed in order to make a small incision across the front of the forehead. Subperiosteal facelifts focus on three points of the face that are elevated and repositioned to correct drops in the cheeks and nasolabial region. Given the depth of the incisions required by this method, longer recovery times can be expected due to increased swelling. 

Plicated SMAS Facelift


Similar to the SMAS facelift, the plicated SMAS facelift addresses the mid and lower face. The main difference between the two is that the plicated SMAS method suspends the SMAS using plication techniques, which allows for the lack of further incision. 

Endoscopic Facelift


This minimally invasive surgical procedure targets the skin around the forehead, eyes, and cheeks. If a patient requires repositioning of underlying muscle, an endoscopic facelift is not recommended as the patient will not be able to achieve the desired results. Endoscopic  facelifts are meant for patients seeking to remove flat cheeks or other minor imperfections.

Deep Plane Facelift


A deep plane facelift runs further towards the centre of the face and starts with the same incisions as the SMAS facelift. Deep plane facelifts can target the mid and lower face as well as the neck and aims to correct double chins, sagging in the midface, and jowls. 

Mini Facelift


A mini facelift combines the suspension of the SMAS procedure with a very small incision. There are many other names associated with mini facelifts, including s-lifts, weekend facelifts, lunchtime facelifts, short scar facelifts, and ponytail facelifts. Mini facelift incisions don’t extend as far as the incisions for traditional facelifts.

What Areas Can a Facelift Treat?

Facelifts can treat a variety of areas of the face. With a traditional face lift, the tissues in the mid and lower face will be augmented. This includes a tightening and lifting of the cheeks, chin, jawline, jowls, and neck. Additionally, the eye brows can be restored using specific procedures. 

Who is a Candidate for a Facelift?

Patients who are healthy and in relatively good shape are typically good candidates for the procedure. Smoking must also be halted no less than 2 weeks before the surgery and not resumed afterwards. All patients must have their health assessed in depth by their surgeon to ensure that a facelift is the right procedure for your specific case. 

Facelift Recovery Time

It is normal to experience some swelling and bruising after a facelift. This will last approximately 2 – 3 weeks, but every person’s recovery time is slightly different. The bandages will be removed by your doctor a few days after your procedure and you should start to feel better 4 – 7 days after the surgery. Most patients are able to return to work 10 – 14 days post-surgery. The healing will continue until the final results are completed, which can take approximately 3 – 6 months. After approximately 3 months, 85% – 90% of the finished result will be visible. 

How Long Does a Facelift Last?

The benefits of a facelift typically last 5 – 10 years, although this varies by patient. Unfortunately, a facelift does not slow down the ageing process, but rather, it allows you to look 5 – 10 years younger than you would have appeared if you did not have a facelift done.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost?

The cost of a facelift in Canada varies from province to province, and from surgeon to surgeon, but the national average is between $15,000 – $25,000. At Sharma Skin & Hair Surgery, our innovative non-surgical facelift techniques cost significantly less than any surgical facelift procedures. 

Facelift Scarring

Depending on the incision type, minimal scarring will occur. However, these scars are typically concealed by the patient’s hairline with the exception of small under-chin incisions, which are typically hidden due to their size and location.

Innovative and Revolutionary Non-Surgical Facelifts

At Sharma Skin & Hair Surgery, we offer the most revolutionary services available in the non-surgical facelift industry. From the award-winning Profound® RF to the incredibly cost-effective Silhouette Threadlifts and CO2RE laser, we’ve got you covered. 

Patients who chose to go the non-surgical facelift route are able to achieve 37% of the results of a traditional facelift with a fraction of the down time and at a fraction of the cost.

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Thread Lifts


CO2 Laser Resurfacing

The Non-Surgical Facelift Technique

As we approach middle age, a transition takes place. Our glowing, youthful appearance starts to fade; at some point, it no longer matches the energy we feel on the inside. Although aging is a natural process we all go through, the external implications aren’t easy to accept. Many use makeup, moisturizers, and hair dye to restore a worn out exterior. For those seeking a change from the inside out, a non-surgical facelift may be the ideal solution.

As with any procedure Dr. Sharma performs, he wants to highlight your existing beauty in a natural looking way. He won’t promise to make you look 25 again. He will, however, create a refreshed look to match your vibrant personality on the inside. In order to bring out his patients’ liveliness, Dr. Sharma can perform a non-surgical, non-invasive facelift. This procedure accentuates the features that are associated with a beautiful face: high cheekbones, full cheeks, smooth skin and defined jawline.

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What Contributes to the Ageing Process?

There are several inherent factors that significantly impact the physical appearance of ageing and wrinkles. Genetics, gravity, the environment (pollution), and hormones are all causes beyond our control that influence how ‘aged’ we appear. Lifestyle choices also take their toll, and can substantially impact the rate at which our face loses vitality. Our stress levels, exposure to the sun‘s UV rays, poor diet, lack of exercise, and tobacco and alcohol consumption can all cause damage.

What Goes on Under the Surface?

Studies show that normal functions in the skin may drop to 50% by the time we reach middle age. This deterioration creates considerable change under the skin’s surface. Not surprisingly, these internal changes impact how a person looks on the outside. As a person ages, the blood flow to the skin slows. This means the important nutrients and hydration needed for cell renewal and healing aren’t available.

Additionally, the body’s production of the following important substances decreases:

  • Hyaluronic acid (creates fullness and retains moisture)
  • Lipids (hold in moisture and protects the skin from external impurities)
  • Collagen (provides structural support to the skin)
  • Elastin (allows the skin to stretch and return back to normal)

What Impact Does this Have on the Surface?

As we are all aware, the wear and tear our bodies take over time cause multiple unappealing effects on our appearance. Some of these include:

  • Deeper wrinkles
  • Thin/fragile looking skin
  • Hollow cheeks
  • Corners of the mouth droop down
  • Dry, rough skin
  • Saggy face shape
  • Loose neck skin
  • Wider, slacker jawline (jowls)

Any one of these changes can dramatically influence how we look. Combined, they alter a person’s entire face shape. This not only impacts how people see us physically, but also how they perceive our personality. As the face shape shifts downward and the skin looks dull, we appear more serious and stressed. Therefore, people assume, we are less happy. For those who feel vivacious on the inside, this emotional impact can be devastating.

How Can We Combat The Effects of Ageing?

As we age, our facial structures recede which in turn leads to sagging and hollow facial features. Facial rebalancing requires a keen aesthetic eye and skill to re-frame the face. With this beautiful woman, it was important to embrace her European slender looks. We embraced her natural beauty whilst enhancing her angular jawline, lateral cheek compartment, and re-volumizing her lips. It is so important to keep the face balanced and ensure the final results are tasteful.

Dr. Sharma’s Non-Surgical Facelift Techniques:

Using a variety of techniques, Dr. Sharma’s non-surgical facelift can invigorate a patient’s appearance in a matter of minutes with minimal risk or downtime.

To address flatness and droopiness in the chin and cheeks and increase volume in emptied fat pads, Dr. Sharma uses injectable fillers. The fillers contain proteins and sugars that mimic the natural functions of youthful skin that contour the face and create firmness and elasticity.

Lastly, to complete the non-surgical facelift, it’s important to revitalize rough, dehydrated skin. Dr. Sharma accomplishes this through a procedure called skin resurfacing, which stimulates collagen production and cell regrowth.

Together, these techniques offer an effective solution to combat wrinkles and other age-related concerns. What’s more, there’s no need for aggressive surgery and weeks of recovery time. Patients can enjoy the more natural looking results immediately with a facial rejuvenation.

Additionally, Dr. Sharma offers Profound RF non-surgical facelift technology: a revolutionary treatment that achieves similar results to plastic surgery, without the complications.

Invasive, Surgical Facelifts:

Many men and women have opted for a surgical facelift in an effort to turn back the clock, or at least pause it. The issue is that this complex procedure is expensive, invasive, and often unavailable to patients for medical reasons.

As with any surgical procedure, risks and long recovery times can be expected. Some of the most common concerns associated with surgical facelifts include:

  • Patients can be left with an unnatural, ‘worked on’ aesthetic
  • A minimum of two weeks before patients can return to normal life (double this time before returning to exercise)
  • Pain is normal for several days after surgery
  • Numbness and changes to skin sensation can take months to disappear
  • Swelling lasts several weeks and can distort the facial features and cause stiff facial movement
  • Bruising takes weeks to go down and several months before fully disappearing
  • A fluctuation in weight can cause the skin to stretch back out, reversing the effects of the facelift
  • Scarring often occurs along the hairline
  • On rare occasions, patients may experience damage to facial nerves and hair loss near the incision

For those who don’t want to commit to surgery, Dr. Sharma offers a host of cost-effective, non-invasive options.

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Signs of Facial Ageing

There are some obvious and not-so-obvious signs of ageing that can be seen in the face:

  • The forehead skin starts to lose its elasticity and subcutaneous fat, which results in the appearance of more obvious frown lines and wrinkles.
  • Eyebrows begin to droop downwards resulting in an unwanted, tired, or angry appearance.
  • The eyes begin to appear hollow and deep-set as the cheek bones right beneath the eye socket start to sag.
  • Subcutaneous fat decreases in the cheek area leading to a loss of volume. This gives them more of a hollow appearance.
  • The tissues around the eyes, including some of the muscles supporting the eyelids, start to weaken. The fat that was supporting the eyes move forward which shows up as dark bags giving a more tired, older appearance.
  • The tip of the nose starts to droop due to weakened connective tissue supporting the nasal cartilage.
  • The lips start to bend downwards because of weakening muscles strength and loss of fat deposition.

Why Your Face Ages and How Sharma Skin & Hair Surgery Can Help

As we age, we start to undergo changes in every nook and cranny of our bodies. Along with the experience and wisdom that comes with getting older, there are diverse changes that happen in our outward appearance. Typically, the changes we see in our faces are at the forefront. The skin, soft tissues (subcutaneous fat, muscle, and fascia), and structural support (bone and teeth) are individually affected by the ageing process. They work together to determine your facial appearance throughout life.

Many factors contribute to facial ageing. This can include gravity, subcutaneous fat redistribution and loss, hormonal imbalance, excessive sun exposure, diet, and smoking. Other environmental factors that have shown to affect facial appearance include mental stress, work habits, drug abuse, and disease.

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The Role of Bone

Skin and fat aren’t the only structures in our faces. Our facial bones provide the necessary scaffolding for our muscles, fats, and skin to drape over. As we age, the bones in our face lose density just as they do in the rest of our body.

For example, we see a loss of bone density in the upper and lower jawbone that causes a notable reduction in facial height, and a slight increase in facial width and depth. The overall effect is to cause the lower face to widen out and for jowls to form. Little perioral lines start to show up and take away our youthful pouts due to bone loss in the lower jaw. This volume continues to decrease over the years, causing the soft tissue of the lower face to have less support, resulting in a softer, more oval appearance to the lower portion of the face giving a more aged appearance.

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Bones in the middle of the face such as brows, nose, and upper jaw also shrink, leading to drooping brow bones and the formation of creases close to the eye and the appearance of crow’s feet.

Although these changes occur in both sexes, many occur earlier for women (typically in their young and middle-age years). While for men, most of the changes occur between middle and old age.

The Role of Fat

Youthful faces are supple and appropriately padded with facial fat in all the right places, yet without excess. As we grow older, the distribution of facial fat tends to change. In some areas of the face (e.g., in the mouth and jaw), fat can accumulate excessively, leading to the impression of permanent puffiness.

More often, however, fat padding thins out and migrates, leading to deep creases, sunken cheeks, and other unwelcome changes. The natural ageing process causes us to lose about 10% of the fat in our face at age 35 and an additional 5-10% every 5-10 years after that. By the age of 55, you may have lost 40% of the fat in your face, which once gave it a plump, full, youthful appearance. Additionally, the skin becomes thinner and rougher in texture, contributing to a rough, wrinkled appearance.

Of particular cosmetic significance is the so-called malar fat pad (a triangular fat pad adjacent to the base the nose). It’s thinning and shifting is a major factor in the development of nasolabial folds (deep laugh lines). The causes of redistribution of facial fat are not entirely clear but may include age-related shifts in hormonal balance, repeated facial movements, certain disease conditions and so forth.

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How to Treat the Signs of Facial Ageing

Today, many treatment options exist that can soften the signs of ageing. The first step should be a facial mapping assessment to determine how to bring symmetry to both sides of the face and reintroduce a homogenous skin tone and texture. Doing it this way maintains a natural, healthy look.

Patients will often come to Sharma Skin & Hair Surgery and point out a specific line they don’t like. While a specific line is important to address, it is more important to look at how the face looks as a whole since treating an individual line could make the patient appear unnatural.

Patients tell us their friends are saying they look tired, sad or grumpy, yet they feel great. It’s typically not a single wrinkle or line that is causing this impression but multiple factors. It’s important to address the face as a whole to determine the right course of treatment.

Facial Rejuvenation Treatments can be Classified into Three Categories:

Resurfacing Options
Resurfacing techniques are used to modify the surface of the skin. They correct the effects of
photoaging, including fine lines, irregular pigmentation, and blemishes. Common resurfacing techniques include:

  • Chemical peels
  • Microdermabrasion
  • Laser resurfacing

Injectables
Injectables include a broad range of substances which are administered by injection. Their main usage is for the treatment of lines, wrinkles, and folds, as well as hollowing and volume loss. Three of the most common types include:

  • Neurotoxins
  • Traditional fillers
  • Collagen stimulators

Surgery
Surgery includes a wide range of procedures from lifts to liposuction and fat transfer. These treatments address a wide range of desired outcomes. Three of the most popular surgeries are:

  • Liposuction
  • Facelift
  • Fat transfer

Injectables

Traditional Fillers
These are soft substances, liquids, or gels which can be injected into the skin to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, plump lips, fill out cheek hollows, and repair other facial imperfections. They work by filling out space below the wrinkles, replacing lost fat. They can be injected into the dermis or subcutaneous layer of the skin, depending on the filler and treatment goal. Popular fillers include Juvederm®, Restylane®, and Perlane®.

Collagen Stimulators
As you age, it is important to replace the collagen your body loses. Collagen stimulators are injected into the dermis or subcutaneous layer, filling the spaces where collagen has been lost. The newly-produced collagen provides a structural framework to hold hyaluronic acid and elastin and helps restore the dermis. Hyaluronic acid attracts water molecules to the dermis and restores skin moisture. Elastin provides elasticity and helps the skin stretch.

Neurotoxins
Botulinum toxin is used to weaken muscles and minimize dynamic lines. It is injected directly into the muscle. Only lines caused by muscle contractions will be affected by botulinum toxin injections. Well known neurotoxins include Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin®.

Profound® RF Facelift FAQ's

With a trained and experienced physician the Profound® RF procedure is very safe. The treatment precisely targets the correct layers of skin before delivering its radio-frequency energy.

Elastin is the protein that gives your skin, lungs, heart, and most tissue in the body the ability to snap back into shape. It gives tissue that elastic ability to handle contracting and stretching.

Most patients will only ever require one treatment.
Some patients may choose to receive the treatment again in a few years following their first treatment to compound the effects.

If you are seeking to reduce the signs of ageing, reduce wrinkles, and fine lines – Profound® RF may be the choice for you.

Learn more on our Profound® RF page here.

The procedure itself will take roughly 2 – 3 hours in total. You will also be required to arrive one hour early for numbing.

Thread Lift FAQ's

Technically known as a rhytidectomy, a ‘thread lift’ is a type of cosmetic surgery procedure using dissolvable threads placed under the skin to give a more youthful facial appearance.

View our Thread Lift page here

Dr. Sharma’s preferred thread lifting product is Silhouette Soft®. 

Long-lasting results generally peak after 5 – 6 months and are maintained up to 2 years.

No. This is a very sensitive area and the risk is just too high. Dr. Sharma prefers using dermal filler to treat this area.

The cost may vary depending on the area. Please come see Dr. Sharma for a complimentary consultation to receive a quote.

Get a Personalized Consultation

Dr. Sharma offers a personalized consultation to address your specific needs and answer any questions or concerns you may have. He works closely with each and every patient to develop a treatment plan that will help you look and feel your best.

With extensive experience in cosmetic dermatology, aesthetic surgery, facial resculpting, and weight loss medicine, Dr. Sharma is excited to offer his patients the best care possible. It’s his opinion that consultation and patient education are the most important aspects of any cosmetic treatment.

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