One of the most popularly discussed facial rejuvenation surgeries is the" facelift," yet there is still much confusion regarding what a facelift is, what it entails, and the result it can achieve. Part of the reason this has occurred is due to the various marketing schemes and advertisements that have blurred the terminology.

So let’s start with the very basics - what exactly is a facelift? First, it is a surgery and therefore done under some method of sedation or anesthesia. As all surgeries due, they require a surgeon who has been properly trained and knows how to use the proper instruments to perform the surgery accordingly.

After these two requirements have been met, the next and fundamental concept to grasp is the goal or objective of the facelift and it is at this point some confusion occurs. One is not simply lifting the whole face with this operation, as the name suggests. The surgeon is actually trying to remove redundant skin and excess fat deposits from the neck and lower face. Please note that the eyelids, forehead, upper face, and nose where not part of this description. Methods used to rejuvenate those areas of the face have completely different surgical techniques and their own set of potential complications and results.

Since the goal is to rejuvenate or to lift structures in the lower face and neck that have fallen over time, how is this goal accomplished - again, another area of confusion. The differences in facelifting techniques can not only vary from surgeon to surgeon but also from patient to patient.

The method of suspension is one important thing to consider. Remember, the surgeon is lifting or re-suspending tissues of the lower face and neck that have fallen with age. It suffices to say, the method by which those tissues are suspended will have implications on how natural the results appear and how long lasting those results can be. There are a vast array of suspension methods – from excision of tissue and implication to using special suture suspension systems. With differing suspension methods, come a different set of potential complications.

Interestingly, the way most facelift techniques are described and marketed to the lay public emphasizes the length and/or placement of the incision, which makes sense because it tends to be of the biggest concern to the patient. However, there are other things that are important in relation to the procedure, and patients should be careful not to lose sight while focusing too much on the incision.

The best advice is for a patient to educate themselves and to seek out a surgeon skilled in not only surgical technique but facial analysis and judgment. Research the surgeon on the web, and make sure you feel 100% comfortable knowing what strategy will be taken, and how things will progress after the initial surgery. There is a lot involved with facelifts, and for the best results, spend some time thinking and studying the facelift procedure, asking questions, and more. A little planning never hurt anyone, especially with facelifts!