Baltimore, Maryland Facelift Surgery
Dr. Adam Summers

Throughout one’s life, sun damage, stress, gravity, and other factors cause the skin to sag and fit more loosely.  Areas of the face and neck, in particular around the jaw line, are especially prone to the aging process.  Though these changes are gradual, wrinkles and other signs of aging can make individuals “look older” than they really are.

To reverse the visible signs of aging, individuals often choose to undergo a facelift (rhytidectomy) procedure at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center to smooth & firm the skin, and obtain a fresh, youthful appearance. 

There are three categories of facelift procedures that Dr. Summers performs at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center:

1. Suture Suspension Facelift (e.g. "Threadlift", "Featherlift", "Contour Lift")
2. Mini-facelift (e.g. "S-lift", "Quicklift")
3. Full Facelift (e.g. SMAS lift)

Each of these facelift procedures involve the realignment of facial and neck skin, and in some instances the removal of excess fat deposits.  A facelift is often performed in combination with other cosmetic procedures (eyelid lift, browlift, etc.) and can be performed any time signs of aging begin to appear.  However, patients are generally in their forties or older when they elect to undergo this procedure.

Facelift Goals:

With a facelift:

• Loose and wrinkled skin will be smoothed.
• Sagging jowls will be eliminated.
• Sagging cheeks will be improved.
• Deep lines running from the nose to the mouth (nasolabial fold) will be reduced.
• The results will typically last from 5 - 15 years.
• The incisions are well hidden to minimize or eliminate the potential for visible scars.

 Procedure Limitations:

• A face lift will not alter your forehead or eye area.  Low brows, excess eyelid skin and "bagging" require additional procedures such as a browlift and eyelid lift (blepharoplasty).  
• Fine wrinkles due to thin skin and will require skin treatments to smooth out and thicken the skin.
• A facelift will not improve lines around the lips - this requires treatment with a "filler" and/or resurfacing. 

Suture Suspension Lift ("Threadlift", "Featherlift"):

As one of the originators of the Suture Suspension Lift procedure, Dr. Summers has extensive experience with Threadlift facelift procedures.  He has developed a multiplanar technique which differs from that of other surgeons and provides a stable long-term result. With Dr. Summers' one-hour facelift (the MOST Facelift^TM), a small incision is made above the ear in the hairline - the resulting incision heals without a visible scar.  Through this one-inch incision, Dr. Summers inserts permanent sutures that elevate the cheek, jowl and neck.  For more information about the Threadlift facelift, visit Dr. Summers' 1-Hour-Facelift website.  This procedure is almost always done under a local anesthesia, but sedation is available if desired. The Threadlift facelift is typically completed in under one hour.

Mini-Facelift ("S-Lift", "Quicklift"):

Dr. Summers was one of the first surgeons in the region to perform mini-facelift procedures.  The mini-facelift procedure had been described years previously as a skin-only procedure, but was abandoned by many surgeons due to a lack of long-term results.  Dr. Summers modified the mini-facelift in 1999 with tightening of the lateral SMAS (the thick layer of tissue under the facial skin).  Variations of this procedure have subsequently been marketed by other surgeons as the Lifestyle Lift® and the Quicklift procedures.  The mini-facelift is a "true" facelift procedure and involves an incision in front of the ear to remove excess skin.  Although this procedure can be performed under a local anesthesia (numbing of the skin only), most patients elect to have IV sedation for a mini-facelift. The mini-facelift is typically completed in under two hours. (Note: Lifestyle Lift® is the registered trademark of Lifestyle Lift Holding, Inc. Neither Maryland Plastic Surgery nor Dr. Summers are affiliated with Lifestyle Lift Holding, Inc.)

Full Facelift (SMAS Lift):

Dr. Summers' standard procedure for a full SMAS facelift involves making small incisions just inside the hairline, following the contour in front of the ear, and continuing under the earlobe to the backside of the ear and up to the scalp.  Tissue and fat deposits are separated, the skin is stretched and tightened, and any excess skin is removed.  The SMAS layer (the thick layer of tissue under the facial skin) is tightened with permanent sutures. If the neck line requires attention, an additional incision is made under the chin and the same procedure is again followed.  Minuscule stitches are used to close the incisions and to reduce the chance of scarring. Many patients choose to be asleep with a general anesthetic for a full SMAS facelift, although IV sedation  may be used.  A full SMAS facelift may take from 2-4 hours (or longer) depending on whether other cosmetic procedures are completed at the same time. 

MOST Facelift^TM:

After a Multiplanar One-hour Suspension Threadlift facelift (MOST Facelift^TM) at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center, patients are able to resume normal light activities immediately.  Some patients have even returned to work the same day.  However, Dr. Summers recommends taking the day off to rest and apply cool compresses to the cheeks.  This will help reduce any possibility of bruising and swelling.

Mini-Facelift:

After a Mini-facelift (S-Lift, Quicklift) at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center, patients are encouraged to rest with their head elevated and cool compresses.  If the neck has been treated at the same time, patients will wear a neck strap - this will preclude many social activities.  However, walking is good and helps to reduce swelling.

Full SMAS Facelift:

After a full SMAS facelift at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center, the face is fitted with bandages.  Patients sometimes report some minor discomfort which is effectively treated with oral medication. It is very important to keep your head elevated and apply cool compresses to minimize swelling. Walking is good. You will be seen the day after surgery to have the bandages removed.  If any drain tubes were used, they are removed at this time.  You will be given an elastic neck strap to wear for the first week after surgery - this prevents the accumulation of fluid in the neck.

Regardless of the type of facelift, you will be seen the day after surgery for a dressing change and then one week after surgery for removal of the stitches.

After the stitches are removed, concealer may be applied (if needed) and makeup may be worn.  If a neck strap was used, it may be removed at this time.   Most patients are able to resume normal social activities at this time.  However, straining or strenuous activities must be avoided for several weeks to promote good healing.

Although you will see a tremendous improvement immediately after surgery, the final outcome of your facelift will not be visible until all of the swelling has resolved - which typically occurs anywhere from one to four months following the procedure.

Your skin may be more vulnerable to sun damage for a period of six months, and you should protect it accordingly.  To prevent discoloration of your incisions, do not use hair dye for about two months after your face lift. 

Note: in the cases of a full SMAS facelift, it is normal to experience numbness around the ears and cheeks for several weeks/months.