Why Patients Hesitate
Many people considering a facelift feel uncertain because they’ve seen celebrity results that look tight, pulled, or unnatural. A properly performed facelift, however, should never distort your appearance — it should simply restore it. Patients often say, “I don’t look like myself anymore,” and that is exactly what a well-executed facelift corrects.
If you find yourself lifting the outer cheeks or jawline in the mirror to see a more youthful version of yourself, you may be an ideal candidate.
Understanding the Deep-Plane Facelift
The most effective facelift technique involves lifting the deeper connective tissue layer beneath the skin, known as the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System). This approach — called a deep-plane facelift — creates natural, long-lasting improvement and properly addresses the jowls.
Why Not Skin-Only Lifts?
Procedures that rely primarily on tightening the skin can create a “windblown” look and fail to correct deeper sagging. The deep-plane method prevents this by repositioning the underlying structures, allowing the skin to drape naturally.
Incisions Designed to Be Hidden
Dr. Swanson prefers an approach without a temporal (temple) incision, which helps patients avoid a visible scar along the hairline. His published 2020 study explains this modification in detail:
Swanson E. Clinical evaluation of 225 sub-SMAS facelifts with no temporal incision. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2020;8:e2640.
Why It Matters
Without a temple incision:
- Patients can confidently wear their hair up or back
- There is no need to conceal a scar in the temple region
- Incisions heal discreetly around the natural contours of the ear
Neck Rejuvenation: The Triple-Vector Method
The neck plays a crucial role in successful facial rejuvenation. Dr. Swanson uses a triple-vector tightening technique that lifts:
- Horizontally from the sides of the neck
- Vertically through the deep-plane lift
- In the midline, via a small incision under the chin
Paired with targeted liposuction, this method tightens the deep muscle layer while allowing the skin to naturally follow — avoiding an unnatural pulled-tight appearance.
Enhancing Results with Fat Transfer and Laser Resurfacing
To address volume loss and fine wrinkles, additional treatments are often performed at the same time:
- Fat injection to the lips, smile lines, marionette lines, and cheeks
- CO₂ laser resurfacing for skin texture, wrinkles, and brown spots
These complementary procedures create a harmonious, comprehensive rejuvenation.
How Long Will a Facelift Last?
A facelift does not stop the aging process — but it sets the clock back. Even a decade later, patients still look more youthful than they would have looked without surgery. Aging continues, but the surgical benefit does not disappear.
The Truth About Nonsurgical Alternatives
Many marketed options promise facelift-like results without surgery, including:
- Injectable fillers (e.g., Voluma) claiming to lift the face
- Thread lifts
- Radiofrequency devices (FaceTite, Morpheus)
- Helium plasma devices (Renuvion)
While appealing, these treatments are often:
- Expensive
- Less effective
- Potentially unsafe
- Unable to match the results of a deep-plane facelift
Most patients simply need the reassurance that a facelift will effectively address the signs of aging without making them look different or like they have had surgery.
How to Choose the Right Surgeon
Before committing to surgery, evaluate your surgeon’s work. Dr. Swanson recommends reviewing:
- At least 10 sets of before-and-after photos
- Standardized images without makeup, jewelry, or inconsistent facial expressions
- Consistent lighting and neutral positioning
Proper due diligence ensures both safety and satisfaction.
Case Example: 66-Year-Old Deep-Plane Facelift Patient
This patient is shown 3 months post-op after undergoing:
- A deep-plane facelift
- Facial fat injections
- Laser resurfacing
She previously had a facelift elsewhere 10 years earlier.
The Swanson Center
📍 11413 Ash St, Leawood, KS 66211
📞 +913.663.1030
🕘 Monday – Friday | 9 AM – 5 PM
Call us today to schedule your consultation.