A facelift rejuvenates the central and lower face as well as the neck. It smoothens the nasolabial folds (the deep
creases between the cheeks and the upper lip) and reduces the jowls (the loose skin that develops between the cheek
and the chin along the jaw line). It can also define the jaw line and correct droopy or wrinkled neck skin.
One way to categorize the several types of facelifts is by the length of the incision. The standard facelift
incision is made in the hair above the ear and extended in the natural crease immediately in front of the ear and then
travels behind the ear and into the upper neck hair. The skin and underlying facial connective tissue - known as the
SMAS or superficial myoaponeurotic system - is then redraped to a more youthful position. A standard facelift is best
for people who are seeking a more dramatic rejuvenation of the face or when their primary goal is to reduce and
tighten redundant neck skin.
A short scar facelift involves an incision in the natural crease immediately in front of the ear that stops at the
base of the ear. As in a standard facelift, the skin and SMAS layers are still elevated and manipulated. A short scar
facelift is used to refine features of the central and lower thirds of the face around the cheeks and jawline with
moderate refinement of the neck.
A mini facelift is performed in the office under local anesthesia through a short scar immediately in front of the
ear. A Mini facelift is best for people who seek an office-based facial rejuvenation that will provide moderate
improvements to the central and lower thirds of the face. Combined with fractionated laser resurfacing and other
office-based procedures like upper lid blepharoplasty and neck liposuction, a comprehensive facial rejuvenation can be
performed comfortably in the office.
Additional Locations
In addition to services in the Center for Advanced Medicine, we offer facelift procedures at two West St. Louis County locations. For more information and before and after photos, please visit the following links:
Facial Plastic Surgery Center
1020 N. Mason Road, Suite 205
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
314.996.3880
West County Plastic Surgeons
1020 N. Mason Road, Suite 110
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
314.996.8800