How Do Facelifts work?

Before we get into the nitty gritty, a Facelift is a cosmetic procedure that does exactly what the name suggests: it lifts the face, working to reposition and elevate the skin and muscles. The results are natural and long-lasting, so you’ll still be recognizable, but perhaps similar to how you did ten or twenty years ago. For this reason, Facelifts are one of the most sought-after procedures we offer in the clinic; not to mention they are performed by one of the best Plastic Surgeons in the UK, Dr Yannis Alexandrides himself.

What is the difference between a Y Facelift and Deep Plane Facelift?

The biggest difference between the Y Facelift and Deep Plane Facelift  is in the areas it aims to treat and how advanced the signs of ageing on these areas are.

A Y Facelift is a technique developed by Dr Yannis and works to target the lower face and neck – and is essentially a combination between a Facelift and a Neck Lift. When you think of the Y Facelift, think of the letter Y – and this is where you can expect the procedure to target: the jawline and neck.

One of the benefits of the Y Facelift is that it is perfect for those who want to achieve their aesthetic goal of defining the jawline. Other benefits of the Y Facelift would be that it’s suitable for those who want to look rejuvenated and youthful without a dramatic change or a long recovery. Generally, this is a procedure for someone who is showing mild to moderate signs of ageing, laxity and ptosis.

The Deep Plane Facelift is another technique favoured by Dr Yannis and basically involves working on the deep layers within the skin to lift all the muscles at once. This gives the patient a naturally lifted look and also means that each element of the skin’s anatomy, such as the epidermis, the SMAS and fat pads, will all be elevated. The biggest benefit of this technique is that this Facelift lasts the longest – for around 20 years – and is most suitable for those who wish to resolve the advanced signs of ageing and jowling.

Y Facelift Targets

Mild to moderate skin laxity

Mild laxity of the neck platysma

Undefined jawline

Deep Plane Facelift Targets

Moderate to advanced signs of ageing

Extensive jowling

Severe mid-face laxity

Further reading…

Where Are Facelift Scars?

Dr Yannis Reviews

Types of Facelifts, Explained

5 Things About the Deep Plane Facelift

Which procedure is right for you?

Generally, the best way to know which Facial Surgery is right for you would be to book a consultation with a surgeon to discuss your options. When it comes to the facial rejuvenation, there is no set protocol as each patient requires a bespoke surgical plan.

Aesthetically speaking, the face is the most important, so a cookie-cutter Facelift approach is not a solution we subscribe to… We know better than anyone the nuances of each person’s face, which is why facial analysis during consultation is key. If you want to know which Facelift is right for you, meet with your surgeon as they will be able to recommend an avenue you may not have considered before – one which may be able to help you achieve your goals in a better way. For example, they may be able to recommend a Deep Plane Y Facelift – or a combination of Non-Surgical treatments and minor Surgical procedures that you may not have thought existed or were possible.