Face Lift Surgery – Complete Guide by Dr. Mubariz | Deep Plane, Endoscopic, SMAS, Full Face Techniques
Facelift surgery is one of the most requested procedures in aesthetic plastic surgery. The face is our identity — it determines how youthful, energetic, and fresh we look. A properly performed facelift eliminates sagging, wrinkles, and tissue descent, helping patients of any age achieve a natural, rejuvenated appearance.
Preparation for Facelift Surgery
Before the operation, every patient undergoes a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure safety:
- Complete blood and urine analysis
- ECG (electrocardiogram)
- Chest X-ray
- Screening for infectious and viral diseases
- Assessment of blood clotting and Rh factor
Patients must inform the surgeon of all medications taken. Blood-thinning medicines must be stopped 2 weeks before surgery.
An anesthesiology consultation is performed, and the goals and expected results are discussed in detail.
- Operation Duration: 2–3 hours
- Anesthesia: Local or general, depending on the patient and surgical plan
Types of Facelift Procedures:
• Deep Plane Facelift
• Upper Face Lifting (Forehead Lift, Endoscopic Brow Lift)
• Neck Lift / Platysmaplasty
Facelift surgery is considered one of the most delicate operations in aesthetic plastic surgery. The goal is a natural, refreshed, and long-lasting result.
Surgical Steps
- Pre-operative marking of the surgical area
- Incisions made within the scalp and natural skin creases
- Gentle tissue dissection using specialized instruments
- SMAS layer dissection and repositioning
- Removal of excess skin around the ear area
- Layered suturing for optimal healing
- Placement of drainage systems
- Application of a postoperative compression band
Patients typically stay in the clinic for 1 day after surgery for comfort and monitoring.
- Swelling increases for the first 3–5 days, then gradually decreases
- Drains remain for 1–5 days and are removed easily
- Makeup can be used after 3 weeks
- Final result appears after 4–6 months
Platysmaplasty (Neck Rejuvenation)
Platysmaplasty is crucial for achieving a smooth, youthful neck. It is often performed together with a facelift to correct vertical neck bands, neck laxity, and muscle separation.
Endoscopic Eyebrow Lift (Endoscopic Brow Lift)
Aging commonly affects the forehead and eyebrow area, leading to:
- Drooping eyebrows
- Eyelid heaviness
- Deep forehead wrinkles
- Tired, sad facial expression
Endoscopic brow lift elevates the brows, smoothens forehead lines, and rejuvenates the upper face using minimal incisions hidden in the hairline.
Advantages
- Minimal scarring
- Faster healing
- Natural elevation without “surprised” look
Possible Risks
Like any surgery: bleeding, infection, changes in sensitivity, scarring, asymmetry, nerve injury (rare), delayed healing, hair thinning at incision sites, and suboptimal results requiring revision.
Endoscopic Mid-Face Lift
The midface area ages faster and earlier than other facial zones. Indications include:
- Sagging cheeks
- Under-eye bags
- Flat cheekbones
- Early jowls
Performed typically between ages 30–55, endoscopic mid-face lift lifts the cheek tissues and restores youthful volume.
Endoscopic Forehead Lift
This minimally invasive technique rejuvenates the forehead, temples, and brows using small scalp incisions. Healing is fast, scarring minimal, and the results are long-lasting.
Endoscopic Canthoplasty (Almond Eye Surgery)
Canthoplasty lifts the outer eye corner, giving a more open, youthful, almond-shaped eye. It successfully treats:
- Eye sagging
- Tired expression
- Lateral canthal laxity
Suitable for both women and men.
Endoscopic Total Face Lift
( endodeep Lift™)
This surgery lifts the forehead, eyebrows, temples, mid-face, and mouth corners—all through minimal scalp incisions. Fat transfer and eyelid surgery may be added for full rejuvenation.
SMAS Facelift
A SMAS facelift lifts both the skin and the underlying facial muscle layer, preventing an unnatural “pulled” look. It achieves a fresh, youthful contour while preserving expression.
Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift
This advanced technique works beneath the SMAS layer, allowing complete mobilization of descended facial structures. It restores the natural facial architecture and provides the most durable rejuvenation.
High-SMAS Facelift
An extended version of the SMAS facelift, tightening the midface, jawline, and lower face. Surgery lasts 3–5 hours and provides long-lasting results.
Blepharoplasty Procedures:
Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty
Removes excess skin and fat, opening the eyes and refreshing the gaze.
Atypical Blepharoplasty
Customized removal of skin, muscle, and fat depending on patient anatomy.
Scarless Lower Blepharoplasty
Performed through the conjunctiva—no external incision.
Asian Blepharoplasty (Double Eyelid Surgery)
Creates or enhances the upper eyelid crease for a more open eye appearance.
Canthopexy
Corrects eyelid laxity, removes bags, and improves eye shape. Can be performed from age 18 and above.
Almond Eyes & Cat Eyes (Bella Eyes)
These modern eye-lifting procedures gently elevate the outer corners for a:
- Attractive
- Wide
- Deep
- Cat-like expression
Eye Ptosis Surgery
Corrects drooping of the upper eyelid (ptosis) that affects both aesthetics and vision. Only surgery can treat this condition.
Lip Procedures:
Lip Plastic & Reconstruction
Volume, hydration, and shape are improved using fillers or fat transfer.
Bullhorn Lip Lift
Shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip for a fuller, youthful appearance.
Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation
Botox
Reduces wrinkles on the forehead, eyes, and neck and can lift the brows. No downtime.
Face Lipofilling
Autologous fat injection restores volume in cheeks, temples, lips, chin, and other hollow areas.
Rhinoplasty Procedures:
Classic Rhinoplasty
Shapes the nose, improves breathing, and corrects deformities.
Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Adapts the nose to the patient’s ethnic anatomy while maintaining natural harmony.
Septorhinoplasty
Corrects nasal deviation and breathing difficulties while reshaping the nose.
Radiofrequency Tightening Technologies:
FaceTite
Tightens the skin and reshapes deeper tissues without surgery.
AccuTite
Targets small areas such as eyelids, under-eye bags, brows, and localized facial fat.
Reconstructive Facial Surgery
Includes all surgical procedures correcting deformities such as irregularities, depressions, trauma-related defects, and congenital anomalies.