If the natural occurrence of the aging process has you feeling worried about what you see in the mirror, then you’re not alone; insecurities of the face like lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin affect millions of people across the world, which is why so many turn to cosmetic plastic surgery.

When it comes to the face specifically, a cosmetic procedure known as rhytidectomy, more commonly known as the facelift, can help counter the effects of aging and take a decade or more off the face.

This procedure can help treat the visible signs of aging from a person’s face, helping to reverse many common cosmetic ailments.

When looking for the right surgeon, it’s important to find one who has experience and knowledge within the facial area so that the results are natural-looking. If you live in California, for example, find the top plastic surgeon in newport beach and book a consultation to discuss the procedure and any questions you may have. Don’t be afraid to ask for before and after photos of previous patients to ensure you are confident in the surgeon’s abilities.

Here’s everything you need to know about facelifts.

Why Does the Face Age?

As you age, your body begins to produce less collagen, a structural protein that keeps your skin smooth, soft, and form-fitting to your body. After the age of 20, your body begins to produce roughly 1% less collagen every year. As these proteins dry up and your skin begins to lose elasticity, lines and creases form in these empty spaces, known as wrinkles. Additionally, skin that has last elasticity also can begin to fall further from the face, causing sagging skin like jowls, sloping brows, and turkey neck. These signs are not always welcome while all-natural parts of the aging process.

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift is a popular cosmetic surgery that can remove the signs of aging such as deep wrinkles, lines, sagging skin, double skin on the face and neck. The procedure tightens the muscles under the skin, removes excess fat, as well as any excess skin from the face after it has been tightened and smoothed.

Incisions are usually minor and made discreetly, such as within the hairline or behind the ears, so no signs of the procedure are evident.

Types of Facelifts

Not everybody has the same concerns or signs of aging on their face, and thus, there is more than one type of facelift available on the market. These facelifts help treat different concerns and locations on the face. Here are the three most common types of facelifts:

  • Mini-Facelift

The mini-facelift is the least dramatic and invasive type of facelift, more ideally suited for younger patients or only have minor concerns about the early signs of aging.

The mini facelift primary treats sagging skin by making small incisions, usually around the hairline, and pulling the skin upwards to undo any drooping or sagging skin and minimizing fine lines.

  • Mid-Facelift

The mid-facelift targets the center or middle of the face. This is a preferred surgery for those concerned about their cheekbones and cheeks but does not have concerns about deep wrinkles or sagging skin elsewhere on the face, such as the forehead or neck.

  • Full Facelift

A full facelift, as the name implies, helps to treat the entire face, from the chin to the forehead. Incisions are made along the chin, ears, and hairline to tighten to the muscles and skin, helping to remove excess fat, skin and smooth out any wrinkles and sagging on the face. While this is the most extensive of the facelift options, it also proves to be the most effective, as it treats the entire surface rather than one designated area.