Facelift Glossary: 30 Terms Explained

This glossary explains facelift terms in plain language.

Surgical technique that lifts SMAS layer, fat, and muscle as unified flap, repositioning them for natural, long-lasting results (10–15 years).

Layer of tissue beneath skin including muscle, fascia, and fat. When saggy, causes jowls and cheek descent. Lifting it restores facial structure.

Sagging skin and tissue below jawline caused by gravity and SMAS descent. Primary reason people seek facelift.

Thin muscle across neck that separates with age, creating vertical neck lines. Good facelift addresses this for better neck contour.

Blood collection under skin after surgery. Most resolve; some need drainage. Most common facelift complication (1–3%).

Clear fluid pooling under skin (not blood). Rare; usually reabsorbs.

Nerve damage or irritation causing numbness or tingling. Temporary numbness common (5–15%); permanent rare (<0.1%).

Nerve controlling facial muscle movement. Surgeons protect it carefully to avoid weakness.

Incision across scalp in hairline (brow lift incisions). Hidden by hair.

Small incisions around ears in natural contours. Scars invisible after healing.

Repositioning skin after deeper lift, with minimal tension for natural appearance.

Cheekbone height and prominence. Facelift restores by repositioning tissue.

Lower jawline contour. Facelift restores definition by eliminating jowls.

Surgery to remove excess eyelid skin and fat. Makes eyes look more awake.

Surgery to lift drooping brows and smooth forehead. Opens eyes, frames face.

Laser using carbon dioxide energy to create controlled thermal injury, stimulating collagen production for smoother, tighter skin.

Heat from laser causes collagen to shrink, tightening skin.

Small tubes collecting fluid after surgery to prevent pooling.

Surgical stitches holding incisions closed.

Face mask/wrap worn after surgery to reduce swelling.

Second facelift on patient who already had one. More complex; scar tissue makes it harder.

Visible marks from incisions. Keloids are overgrown scars (rare, genetic).

Medication blocking sensation/consciousness during surgery.

Non-surgical using injectables (filler, Botox) instead of surgery. Temporary (1–2 years).

Minimally invasive using threads under skin for mechanical lift. Non-surgical, temporary (2–3 years).

Smaller facelift with shorter incisions and limited dissection. Suits mild sagging.

Medical term for facelift.

Surgical repositioning of sagging tissues back upward.

Good facelift looks like you, refreshed. Bad one looks "pulled" or "done."

Travel to another country for healthcare, typically surgery at lower cost.