An endoscopic facelift is a relatively closed procedure done through small incisions where we dissect under the skin with a magnifying scope. Here’s a quick guide.
During a facelift our goal is to lift the cheeks, jowls and neck soft tissues to reposition them to where they were earlier in life. This makes the face look rejuvenated and more youthful. The concept of an endoscopic facelift is a good one in theory, but in reality we really need to make larger incisions to lift all the tissue required for the facelift to be a success. For that reason it’s not practical to perform the surgery endoscopically.
Endoscopic surgery does however work great for a brow lift. In an endoscopic brow lift our dissection plane is on the bone. This type of brow lift works best for those with low to average hairlines because when we lift the brow this way we move the hairline back. If a person already has a high hairline, an endoscopic brow lift is not a good idea. For these patients I perform a brow lift a different way without the use of an endoscope.
Do you recommend an endoscopic facelift?
I base my recommendation for an endoscopic facelift on each individual patient’s anatomy and the aging of their skin. I would not recommend it for a person who has lots of excess tissue. For them an endoscopic facelift is not likely to work very well. Don’t be fooled by surgeons who say, “I do endoscopic lifts and get good results,” because they’re likely making other incisions to get the job done and the endoscopic part is thrown in for marketing purposes. Unless you have very little sagging skin, an endoscopic facelift will not likely give you the results you desire.
When it comes to brow lifts and facelifts, I’ve been doing them for 36 years. I consider myself an expert. Call me or email me. I’d love to talk to you about your questions. I help patients like you everyday, and I’d love to see you in my office.
Have questions about facelifts?
Email Dr. Sykes at [email protected]
Read More
What Is the Best Age for a Facelift?
What’s the Difference Between a Facelift and a Mini Facelift?
Facelift Before & After Photos
About Dr. Jonathan Sykes
Dr. Jonathan Sykes is a world-famous expert plastic surgeon who performs all cosmetic and functional plastic surgery procedures on the face and neck. He is a past president of The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and served on their Board of Directors for over 10 years. He is also a Professor Emeritus in Facial Plastic Surgery from UC Davis Medical Center, and the former Director of Facial Plastic Surgery at that institution.
He is known as the expert’s expert, and is often called to consult and advise other plastic surgeons in both Northern California and Beverly Hills. He has a special interest in eyelid and browlift surgery, facial rejuvenation surgery including facelifts, and rhinoplasty. He also has a particular interest in facial feminization surgery. Have questions? Email Dr.Sykes at: [email protected]
