What is the difference between a regular facelift and an endoscopic facelift? Which type of facelift is best for sagging jowls?
Answer:
A “regular” facelift is performed with incisions around the ears. The skin is elevated from the underlying tissues and these deeper tissues are tightened. The neck muscles are also tightened with a procedure named “platysmaplasty.” The skin is then re-draped. This facelift procedure works very well to correct the neck laxity and jowls. It can be performed under local anesthesia, IV sedation anesthesia, or general anesthesia. It is always done on an outpatient basis. Recovery is about 2 to 3 weeks.
The endoscopic facelift is done through a small incision on the temporal area. The aim of the endoscopic lift is to provide a lift to the midface area. This is the area of the cheeks. Through the small incision, a small camera is used to guide the surgeon through the correct areas. The cheeks are then suspended. This itself procedure does not provide any correction of the jowls or neck. However, the endoscopic midface lift can be combined with a traditional facelift to correct the neck and jowls. The midface procedure can be performed with IV sedation or general anesthesia. Recovery for this procedure is about 2 to 3 weeks.
In conclusion, if the correction of your jowls is your primary concern, then “traditional” facelift is the best option for you. Good luck!
Posted by Dr. Bustillo