Dr. Daniel Straka, M.D.

A one stitch facelift can refer to a number of things depending on what the surgeon is referring to. Some cosmetic doctors may be referring to a non-surgical thread lift in which threads are inserted under the skin and the lower face and mid face are lifted. This results in a modest lift that lasts anywhere from 3-12 months. It can also refer to a mini-facelift in which a shorter incision is placed just from above the ear down to the base of the ear and the tissue under the skin (SMAS) is tightened with a single stitch. This is a true surgical procedure and can often be done in the office. The results are more noticeable and longer lasting than a thread lift but not as dramatic or long lasting as a full deep plane or smas-ectomy facelift in which more lift is performed.

A mini facelift usually refers to a shorter, less invasive surgical facelift in which the incision does not extend behind the ear. This type of facelift can often be performed din the office and is best for small amount of lower face sagging (jowls). In this surgery there is less recovery and downtime than a full facelift. The mini facelift does not do anything to address sagging in the neck or submittal area like a full face and neck lift can provide. To determine if you are a candidate for a mini facelift it is important to seek the advice from a trained facial cosmetic surgeon.

A liquid facelift usually refers to the lift in facial structures one can experiences when filler is injected strategically throughout the face. However, it is somewhat of a misnomer because although some lift can occur with adequate volume of filler injection, a true lasting lift can only be achieved with surgically lifting and re-attaching the aging and sagging facial structures. If too much filler is injected it can lead to a puffy or "over done" appearance.

Depending on your needs a cheek implant can be inserted through a hidden incision from inside your mouth at the junction of the upper gum line and lip, or through a hidden incision on the inside of your lower eyelid. Both approaches are effective and safe as long as your surgeon is experienced in both techniques.

There are many ways to address under eye bags both surgically and non surgically. I have found the best way to surgically address under eye bags is through a transconjunctival (inside the eyelid incision) blepharoplasty with fat repositioning. In this surgery the puffy under eye bags are removed and/or repositioned into the upper cheek and tear trough area. This simultaneously reduces the puffiness while also replenishing the areas of volume loss in the tear trough and upper cheek. I will often perform laser to the eyelid skin at the same time to get additional tightening.