The Skinny
Average Recovery
2 months
Permanence
Temporary
Application
Surgical Procedure
Surgical
Yes
Cost
$6000 - $10000
The Specifics
What is a subperiosteal facelift?
A subperiosteal facelift is a facelift surgery specifically addressing the upper and middle thirds of the face. Performed by an expert plastic surgeon, this surgical technique allows for extensive alterations to soft tissues (like excess skin, loose skin, and excess fat), and underlying muscles of the face.A subperiosteal facelift can correct transverse forehead creases, glabella frown lines, brow position, the lateral canthi of the eyes, the tear trough area, the corners of the mouth, and cheek projection. A subperiosteal facelift can provide not only facial rejuvenation, and a more youthful appearance as seen in most traditional facelift techniques, but also mimic the results of a brow lift or eyelid lift.
What cosmetic concerns does a subperiosteal facelift procedure treat?
1. Facial Skin Laxity: A subperiosteal facelift is an invasive surgical technique to alter soft tissues of the face and underlying muscle, especially in the upper and mid face areas.Who is the ideal candidate for a subperiosteal facelift procedure?
The ideal candidate for a subperiosteal facelift is a relatively young individual with minimal soft tissue sagging, loose skin, and excess skin. A subperiosteal facelift is not recommended for individuals 60 years of age and older with severe wrinkles or soft tissue ptosis in the nasolabial folds and jowls.What is the average recovery associated with a subperiosteal facelift procedure?
Recovery time following a subperiosteal facelift is longer than other traditional facelift surgeries due to the depth of the incisions. Sutures, bandages, and the drain are removed after one week. Swelling and bruising can take several weeks to subside. Most individuals return to work within three weeks, although it is advised to continue to refrain from strenuous activity for up to six weeks. It is important to keep in mind the facelift results continue to finalize over one year.To better understand the healing and downtime associated with the procedure, check out our complete guide to facelift recovery.
What are the potential side effects of a subperiosteal facelift procedure?
Possible side effects following a subperiosteal facelift include infection of the incision site, facial numbness or nerve palsy, delayed wound healing, facial asymmetry, bruising, pain, and prolonged edema.What can someone expect from the results of a subperiosteal facelift procedure?
The results of a subperiosteal facelift finalize over the course of one year, but significant improvements will be noticeable following the facelift surgery. The facelift results can last up to 15 years, but will continuously evolve with aging, use, sun exposure, and the effects of gravity.What is the average cost of a subperiosteal facelift procedure?
A subperiosteal facelift procedure can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000. The actual cost of a Subperiosteal Facelift is dependent upon location, board certified plastic surgeon, and length and involvement of the plastic surgery. Learn more in our complete guide to the cost of a facelift.Pros
- Improves Transverse Forehead Creases
- Improves Glabella Frown Lines
- Improves Brow Position
- Improves Position Of The Lateral Canthus
- Improves Position Of The Corners Of The Mouth
- Improves The Tear Trough Area
- Improves Cheek Projection
Cons
- Prolonged Recovery
- Prominent Scarring
- Sensory Changes
Invasiveness Score
Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.
What to Expect
The subperiosteal facelift is a type of facelift that specifically targets the upper and middle third of the face. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after a subperiosteal facelift.
Before Treatment
- Stop taking blood thinning medications for 2 weeks
- Stop smoking 4 weeks before and after surgery
- No alcohol 2 days prior
- Do not eat or drink for at least 6 hours before
During Treatment
- Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia
- Incision made within the hairline
- Skin is separated from the muscle
- Muscle raised and sutured into higher position
- Excess muscle tissue is removed
- Extra skin is excised
- Sutures to close
Immediately After Treatment
- Face is swollen and bruised
- Face is wrapped in postoperative garment and worn continuously for 1 week
1-14 Days After Treatment
- Face is swollen and bruised
- Turn head by moving shoulders, not the neck
- Limit jaw movement
- Take antibiotics and pain medication as prescribed
- Return to work after 2 weeks
2 Weeks After Treatment and Beyond
- Most patients able to resume normal activity
- Resume light exercise after 3 weeks
- Strenuous activity resumed after 4-6 weeks
- Return to work after 3 weeks
Result Notes
- Noticeable immediately after surgery
- Final results after 1 year
- Long lasting however not permanent
- Lasts for 10-15 years
- Results will be affected by continued aging and gravity
The Takeaway
A subperiosteal facelift is a cosmetic surgery targeting the upper and midface regions for alterations to excess skin, loose skin, excess fat, and underlying muscle. This plastic surgery can be used for comprehensive facial rejuvenation as it also can create results similar to other cosmetic procedures like a brow lift or eyelid lift. A subperiosteal facelift surgery provides long term natural looking results, significant facial rejuvenation, youthful contours and a youthful appearance, and refreshes a previously tired facial aesthetic.
