7 types of facelifts: which one is right for you?

Dr. Philip Miller

February 28, 2023

Not all facelift procedures are created equal. While each technique is designed to rejuvenate the face and reverse the signs of aging, each facelift type targets a different portion of the face and accomplishes different aesthetic goals. It helps to be familiar with all types of facelifts to better determine the right procedure to suit your specific needs.

What types of facelifts are there? 

Dr. Miller offers the following facelift procedures:

• Traditional facelift
• Deep plane facelift
• MicroLift
• Mini facelift
• Non-surgical facelift (liquid facelift/Miller Lift)
• Midface lift
• Vertical facelift
  

Facelift procedures: a comparison 

Traditional Facelift

• General anesthesia
• Takes 2-4 hours to perform
• The incisions are made at the hairline, continue in front of and behind the ears, and extend to the lower scalp
• 2-4 weeks of recovery time
• Noticeable results once swelling and bruising have subsided
• Results can last 10-15 years
• Average cost: $10,000 to $20,000

Deep Plane facelift

• General anesthesia
• Takes around 3 hours to perform
• The incision lines begin at the temple, continue in front and behind the ears, and extend into the hairline 
• 2-4 weeks of recovery time
• Noticeable results once swelling and bruising have subsided
• Results can last 10-15 years
• Average cost: $8,000-$28,000

MicroLift

• Local anesthesia
• Takes approximately one hour to perform
• The incision is hidden within the hairline, in front of the ear
• About one week of downtime 
• Noticeable results once swelling and bruising have subsided
• Long-lasting results, particularly when patients follow a proper skincare routine and stick to a healthy weight 
• Average cost: $7,000 to $25,000

Mini Facelift

• Local anesthesia
• Takes less than 90 minutes to perform
• A small incision is made near the ear to directly target areas of the face that are showing early signs of aging
• About one week of downtime
• Noticeable results once swelling and bruising have subsided
• Results last 8-10 years
• Average cost: $2,500-$8,000

Non-Surgical Facelift

• No anesthesia required (topical numbing optional)
• Takes about 30 minutes to perform
• No incisions
• Little to no downtime
• Results from dermal fillers are immediate
• Results may last anywhere from 6 to 24 months but a regular treatment schedule can extend improvement indefinitely 
• Average cost: $1000-$6000

Midface Lift

• General anesthesia
• Takes around 2-3 hours to perform
• Incisions are made around the hairline and ear
• 2 weeks of recovery time
• Noticeable results once swelling and bruising have subsided
• Results can last 10 or more years
• Average cost: $10,000 to $20,000

Vertical Facelift

• Local or general anesthesia
• Takes between 2-3 hours to perform (longer if combined with other procedures)
• Incisions are made along the hairline and near the ears 
• 10 days to 2 weeks of recovery time
• Noticeable results once swelling and bruising have subsided
• Results can last 10 or more years
• Average cost: $6,000 to $40,000

Which facelift procedure is right for me?

Ideal candidates for a traditional facelift are those who have:

• Sagging or loose skin
• Moderate to severe wrinkles
• Sagging jowls
• Sunken cheeks
• Double chin
• Poor jawline definition

Ideal candidates for a deep plane facelift are those who have:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Marionette lines
• Deep nasolabial folds
• Facial volume loss (flat or hollow cheek/midface)
• Excessive skin laxity
• Sagging jowls
• Double chin
• Neck wrinkles and crepey skin

Ideal candidates for MicroLift are:

• Younger patients (30-40 years) 
• Concerned about early signs of aging
• Looking for improvement primarily in the midface 
• Looking for a result similar to when hair is pulled back
• Preferring permanent results but are not ready for a full facelift
• Unable to schedule an extended recovery time

Ideal candidates for a mini facelift are those who have:

• Minimal sagging in the lower face
• Early jowl formation
• Excess skin in the neck
• A desire to stop early aging symptoms in their tracks

Ideal candidates for a non-surgical facelift are those who have early signs of aging and want:

• A rested, rejuvenated appearance without surgery
• Reduced lines, wrinkles, folds, and creases
• A gentle lift to the facial features
• More volume and definition to the cheeks and jawline
• A stronger chin 
• Elimination of dark under-eye circles
• Restored fullness and enhanced facial contours
• To avoid surgical procedures for as long as possible 

Ideal candidates for a midface facelift are those who have prominent signs of aging around the eye orbits and cheeks.

Ideal candidates for a vertical facelift are those who have:

• Signs of aging in the middle of the face
• Fine lines, wrinkles, and jowls
• Excess skin 
• Cheekbone and jawline contours that lack definition
• A desire for natural results 

Learn more about facelift procedures here. 

Schedule Your Facelift Consultation in Manhattan Today

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with an excellent reputation in all types of facial enhancement. He brings over 20 years of experience performing cosmetic facial procedures. He customizes treatment plans to help patients achieve beautiful and natural-looking results.

Dr. Miller takes you through his NatraLook process to gain a better understanding of your concerns and goals and to determine the best procedure option for your specific needs. He provides meticulous care to his patients at his Manhattan, New York, and New Orleans, Louisiana surgical centers. 

Contact Dr. Miller’s office today to learn more about the various facelift procedure options available and determine the best option for you.

Dr. Philip Miller

Focusing exclusively on the face for more than two decades, double-board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Miller blends art and science with innovation and skill to provide thousands of patients with impeccable results. He is known for pioneering the NatraLook methodology for rhinoplasty, facelifts, neck lifts, and other cosmetic procedures for the face.