Facelift surgery is a top choice to rejuvenate the eyes, cheeks, chin, and other facial features. Yet, deciding which type of facelift procedure to undergo can be difficult.
For those who are considering facelift surgery, multiple options are available, including vertical and traditional treatments. To determine which type of facelift is the best option to help a patient correct visible signs of aging in the face, let’s take an in-depth look at both types of facelift surgery.
What Is a Vertical Facelift?
A vertical facelift treats sagging facial skin in the lower face. In doing so, the procedure helps patients address hanging skin on the jaw or chin and make the skin on the lower face appear tighter, firmer, and more youthful.
Benefits of a Vertical Facelift
During a vertical facelift, a facial plastic surgeon makes small incisions that extend from behind a patient’s ear to the back of the hairline. This provides the surgeon with seamless access to the treatment area. At the same time, the vertical facelift technique helps the surgeon minimize the appearance of scars after facelift surgery.
Along with limited scarring, a vertical facelift offers a safe, effective treatment to help enhance facial appearance, particularly when it is performed by an expert facial plastic surgeon. A vertical facelift also ensures a patient can enjoy a balanced, natural-looking facial appearance for years after treatment.
Disadvantages of a Vertical Facelift
The primary disadvantage of a vertical facelift is that the procedure focuses on the lower portion of the face. Thus, if a patient is exploring ways to enhance the appearance of the eyes, cheeks, forehead, and other areas in the middle and upper portions of the face, a traditional facelift may be a superior option.
What Is a Traditional Facelift?
Whereas the facial skin is pulled vertically during a vertical facelift, a traditional facelift involves pulling the skin sideways. As such, a traditional facelift may be used to treat wrinkles, frown lines, and other signs of aging across the face.
Benefits of a Traditional Facelift
A traditional facelift benefits patients who want to bolster their overall facial appearance. The treatment is used to rejuvenate facial contours and restore facial symmetry. It also helps repair loose facial skin and tighten the facial muscles.
Disadvantages of a Traditional Facelift
There are risks associated with vertical and traditional facelifts alike. Potential facelift surgery complications include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Facial nerve injury
- Skin discoloration and/or irregularities
- Poor results
When it comes to facelift surgery, working with an expert facial plastic surgeon is key. Because, if patients meet with a facial plastic surgeon who knows the ins and outs of vertical and traditional facelifts, they can gain the insights they need to make an informed decision regarding treatment.
Vertical or Traditional Facelift: Questions to Consider
Before undergoing a facelift or any cosmetic procedure, meet with a facial plastic surgeon who possesses in-depth industry expertise. That way, a patient can receive a full evaluation to determine which facial rejuvenation treatment can deliver the desired results. The evaluation also enables a patient to receive answers to a wide range of facelift questions, such as:
1. In Addition to a Vertical Facelift, Are There Other Alternatives to a Traditional Facelift?
There is no shortage of facial rejuvenation procedures available, including:
- Mid Facelift: Also referred to as a cheek lift, a mid-facelift is used to enhance the lower eyelids and cheeks.
- Rhinoplasty: A nose job reshapes the nose or restores its function.
- Botox: Botox offers a non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatment that prevents excess facial muscle movement that otherwise contributes to fine lines, wrinkles, and furrows.
The ideal facial rejuvenation treatment varies based on a patient and their facial appearance. But, if patients evaluate a variety of treatment options, they can determine if one or more procedures are necessary to revitalize their facial appearance.
2. How Much Is a Vertical Facelift vs. a Traditional Facelift?
The cost of a vertical or traditional facelift or any other facial rejuvenation treatment depends on the facial plastic surgeon performing the procedure and other factors. Fortunately, the surgeon discusses the cost of treatment before a procedure is completed. This allows the patient to determine if a cosmetic procedure falls in line with their budget.
A facial plastic surgeon may offer financing options to help a patient cover the cost of a cosmetic procedure as well. With financing, a patient can get funds upfront to pay for their procedure, then make incremental payments over a set period of time to fulfill their financial obligation.
3. Is a Vertical or Traditional Facelift Safe?
Facelift surgery is only performed if a facial plastic surgeon deems the treatment is safe for a patient. If the surgeon believes a facelift will put a patient’s health and wellbeing at risk, alternative treatment options can be explored.
4. When Will I See the Results of a Facelift?
The initial results of a vertical or traditional facelift usually become visible within about three months of treatment. Healing continues up to six months following facelift surgery, and the length of time required to experience the full results of treatment varies.
5. Which Is the Right Choice for Me: a Vertical or Traditional Facelift?
To decide whether to undergo a vertical or traditional facelift, a patient must first consider their facial rejuvenation treatment goals closely. Then, the patient can meet with a facial plastic surgeon to determine if facelift surgery can be used to achieve these goals.
Why Do Patients Choose Dr. Azizzadeh for Facelift Surgery?
Dr. Babak Azizzadeh of the CENTER for Facial Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles is world-renowned for his facelift surgery work. He has performed both vertical and traditional facelift procedures and can educate patients about them. As a result, Dr. Azizzadeh can help patients weigh the pros and cons of facelift surgery and other facial rejuvenation procedures and determine which treatment option can deliver the best treatment results.
Patients who want to discuss facelift surgery and other facial rejuvenation treatments can meet with Dr. Azizzadeh. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please contact us online or call us today at 310-657-2203.