Long a symbol of drawn faces and showbiz stars, the face lift is making a comeback, but in a much more discreet version. On the networks, the terms deep plane facelift, SMAS facelift or mini-facelift follow one another, promising a redesigned neck and a clear oval. Between promises of naturalness, fear of failure and dizzying price ranges, it becomes difficult to see clearly.
Behind these names, the surgery aims above all to correct sagging which no longer responds to injections, while preserving the identity of the face. Dr. Benjamin Pulvermacker, a cosmetic surgeon in Paris, observes that patients now talk much more freely about surgery and that they do it above all for themselves, to reconcile their appearance with the energy they feel on a daily basis.
At what age should you consider a facelift?
For this specialist, the real question is not a precise date of birth. He reminds us: , explains Dr. Benjamin Pulvermacker in an interview with ELLE. Between 40 and 45 years old, he often sees targeted requests, for example on cheekbones which relax more quickly than the rest.
The signs that lead you to consult are the same for many women: blurred oval, jowls, less defined neck, nasolabial folds and marked bitter folds, impression of “looking tired”. Hyaluronic acid injections remain useful before the age of 40, but beyond that, the surgeon advises against them because they risk weighing down an already sagging face. Botox can be combined with a facelift to relax certain areas without swelling the features.
Deep plane, SMAS, mini-facelift: what are the real differences?
In practice, deep plane facelift and SMAS facelift belong to the same family: that of deep facelifts, which successively treat the fat, the muscles then the skin, rather than limiting themselves to tightening the surface. The distinction is mainly due to the way each surgeon works and their familiarity with a given technique. Dr. Benjamin Pulvermacker, for example, repositions tissues from the bottom up to achieve a more vertical and natural result.
The term mini-facelift comes up everywhere, but the doctor considers it overused and too reassuring. Even when we intervene on a limited area, it is a real lifting, with in-depth action if we want a lasting effect. Facelifts can target the oval and jowls, via a jugo-cervical lift, or combine face and neck in a complete cervico-facial lift, especially after the age of 45 to avoid disharmonizing the contours.
Pain, aftereffects, scars and price of a face lift
The procedure most often takes place under general anesthesia and lasts between 2.5 and 4.5 hours. The surgeon prefers to stay under four hours to limit the risk of infection, then keeps his patients one night in the clinic. For immediate consequences, Dr. Benjamin Pulvermacker warns:
The scars are mostly hidden around and behind the ear. Not very visible at first, they turn red around five weeks before fading, with laser, ointments or dermopigmentation if necessary. The result lasts over time: a well-performed facelift retains its effect for around ten years, even if the quality of the skin, age and tobacco (to be strictly avoided for at least 15 days) play a big role. In Paris, the price of a facelift varies from $10,000 to $70,000, especially when lipofilling, an eyelid or lip lift are added; in the region, some practices advertise prices starting at around $6,100 for a simpler cervico-facial lift.
What is the ideal age for a facelift?
Most patients consult after the age of 40, with a median age around 51, but it all depends on the degree of relaxation.
What is the difference between deep plane lifting and SMAS lifting?
Both are deep facelifts that tighten the tissues at depth; the real difference comes mainly from the technique and the habit of the surgeon.
Is a facelift very painful?
The surgeon mainly describes discomfort with edema and sometimes bruising, but generally moderate and well-controlled pain.
How long do the effects of a face lift last?
Patients retain the benefit of a facelift on average for around ten years, depending on their skin and lifestyle.
How much should you budget for a facelift?
In Paris, fees range from around $10,000 to $70,000, depending on the extent of the procedure and the associated interventions.
