1. What types of face lift surgery are available?

There are multiple types of face lifts available including the subcutaneous, the periosteol, the mid-face, the mini-lift, the "lifestyle lift," and others. A SMAS is included in most of these face lifts.


2. Are there other alternative procedures?

Alternative procedures would include liposuction of the jowls and neck, submental platysmaplasty (or tightening of the muscles), fat grafting or fillers to the nasolabial folds and marionette lines, and injection of perioral wrinkles. These make the face younger in appearance without having to do a full face lift.


3. Is face lift surgery painful?

Face lift surgery is usually not painful if a long-lasting anesthetic is used during the procedure.


4. Can I be awake during face lift surgery?

Yes, you can be awake during face lift surgery.


5. What does SMAS stand for?

SMAS is a superficial muscular aponeurotic system, which is the connective tissue over the facial muscles in the face. After a face lift has been partly done, it is possible to identify the SMAS and to pull it tightly and "plicate" it for tightening of the lower face.


6. What is an endoscopic face lift?

An endoscopic face lift is done through an endoscope which magnifies the tissues and basically consists of putting in lifting sutures at certain points or undermining certain points of tissue to allow a lateral pull and tightening of the face.


7. What is the average cost of face lift surgery?

The average cost of face lift surgery is variable, but usually runs about $5,000-$12,000.