ART Lyft Full Facelift - Doctor Jay Plastic Surgery

Medically reviewed by Dr. Anuchit Adirojananon, MD (Medical License No. 45390), Deputy Medical Director of The Art Plastic Surgery Hospital. View full profile

Why Does the Face Sag?

Many people think facial sagging is simply “loose skin” and that tightening the skin alone is enough. In reality, age-related laxity develops across every layer of the face—from the skin and fat to the muscles and retaining ligaments that support facial structure.

Facial Structure

Skin Layer
The outer layer where wrinkles and skin texture are visible

Fat Layer
Gives the face fullness, volume, and dimension

Muscle / SMAS Layer
The principal supporting layer involved in facial sagging

Retaining Ligaments
Anchor points that support the facial tissues

Periosteum
The deep foundation that helps define facial shape and proportions

What Is ART Lyft?

ART Lyft is not about pulling the skin as tightly as possible. It is about understanding facial anatomy, lifting at the appropriate level, and designing a rejuvenated result that still looks like you.

Anatomy

A deep understanding of facial anatomy
Lifting at the correct layer—not merely pulling the skin

Refinement

Precise, harmonious, balanced results
without overcorrection

Tailored

Individualized facial planning
Helping you look younger while still looking like yourself

“No widened mouth. No pulled eyes. No unnatural-looking face.”

Types of Facelift and Why ART Lyft
Lifts Beneath the SMAS

Method

What It Involves

Advantages

Limitations

1. Skin-only / Subcutaneous Facelift

Dissection beneath the skin, removal of excess skin, and closure without addressing the muscle layer

Simpler and shorter procedure; general anesthesia may not always be required; faster recovery

Tension is borne by the skin alone, increasing the risk of a widened or raised scar. Results may be short-lived, with recurrent laxity possible within six months. It can also create pulled eyes, a widened mouth, or an unnatural appearance.

2. SMAS Plication / MACS Lift

The SMAS is folded or sutured to tighten it

Avoids dissection beneath the SMAS and generally lasts longer than a skin-only lift

May bunch the overlying fat and make the face or cheeks look fuller. Because the retaining ligaments are not released, recurrent sagging may occur sooner than with a deep-plane approach.

3. Extended Deep-Plane / Sub-SMAS Lift ← ART Lyft

Dissection beneath the SMAS, release of retaining ligaments, lifting of the deep facial structures, and fat repositioning

Addresses the underlying causes of sagging, offers long-lasting and natural-looking results, refines the face, and allows removal of excess fat or muscle. Buccal fat may also be removed without an incision inside the mouth.

The most technically demanding approach; it requires advanced expertise in facial anatomy and the facial nerves.

Eight Steps in ART Lyft Facelift Surgery

Assessment and Planning with
3D Simulation

Patient-Specific
Surgical Markings

General Anesthesia

SMAS-Layer Lifting

Excess-Skin Excision
and Fat Repositioning

Drain Placement
(Selected Cases Only)

Layered Wound Closure
(3 Layers)

Hair Washing,
Cleansing and Facial
Compression Wrap

Six Main Facelift Areas

Forehead + Brow Lift

Upper Face / Temples
Outer Eyes, Brow Tails
& Crow’s Feet

Midface
Cheeks & Nasolabial
Folds

Lower Face
Mouth Corners,
Marionette Lines,
and Jawline

Lateral Neck

Anterior Neck
/ V-neck Lift

Where Are the Incisions and How Are They Concealed?

Temporal Incision

Used for sub-SMAS lifting of the upper face, temples, and crow’s-feet area. Two approaches are available:

Anterior Hairline Incision

Allows stronger tightening and lowers the risk of hair loss, although the scar may be more visible initially.

Within-Hairline Incision

Conceals the scar well but allows less lifting and carries a risk of hair loss.

Incision in Front of the Ear

Used to lift the midface and lower face. Two approaches are available:

Pretragal Incision

Follows a natural crease, generally heals relatively quickly,
and has a lower risk of wound separation or tragal distortion.

Tragal Incision

Provides a smooth, well-concealed scar and may suit patients particularly concerned about visible scarring.
Excessive tension, however, can distort the tragus
or make the ear canal more visible.

Incision Behind the Ear

Used to lift the lower face and neck. The incision is hidden in the crease behind the ear and along the posterior hairline,
making it difficult to see even with the hair tied up.
(Facelift areas are often combined—for example, zones 2+3 or 4+5—
to produce the most balanced and clearly defined result.)

Who Is a Candidate for ART Lyft?

Adults Aged Approximately 30–50

Adults Aged 50 and Over

Real Case Reviews: Before / After

Preparing for Surgery

Timeline and Preoperative Checklist

One Month Before

Tell Us About Medical Conditions and Medications

Avoid Botox / Filler for 6 Months

Avoid Thread Lifting for 3–6 Months

Get Adequate Rest

Two to Four Weeks Before

Avoid Alcohol for 2 Weeks

Stop Smoking for 2 Weeks

Avoid Vitamins and Dietary Supplements

Keep Yourself in Good Health

One Week Before

Stop Blood Thinners 7 Days Before, If Instructed

Consult Your Doctor Before Stopping Medication

Prepare Comfortable Clothing and Avoid Strenuous Exercise

Choose a Front-Buttoning Shirt

Day of Surgery

Do Not Eat or Drink for 8 Hours

Wash Your Hair; Do Not Wear Makeup or Nail Polish

Remove Jewelry and Contact Lenses

Do Not Drive for 24 Hours; Arrange for Someone to Take You Home

Care After Surgery

Recovery Timeline and Self-Care Guidance

Day 0

Apply Cold Compresses for the First 1–2 Days

Sleep with Your Head Elevated 45–90°

Clean and Dress the Wound Twice Daily

Avoid Pressure on the Incision

First One to Two Weeks

Keep Water Away from the Wound for 7 Days

Wait Until Sutures Are Removed Before Wetting the Incision

Wear the Compression Garment for 24 Hours as Instructed

Attend the 1–2 Week Follow-Up

Weeks Two to Four

Avoid Sleeping on Your Side; Wear the Garment 10–12 Hours Daily

Avoid Strenuous Exercise

Avoid Direct Sun and Heat

Avoid Foods Your Surgeon Advises Against

Ongoing Care

Maintain UV Protection

Attend All Scheduled Follow-Ups

Results Become Clearer as Healing Progresses

Continue Following Your Surgeon’s Instructions

Benefits of the ART Lyft Facelift

Addresses the Underlying Cause

Corrects deeper structural causes
by lifting the SMAS and releasing retaining ligaments
for natural-looking, durable results

Natural-Looking Results

Designed to avoid distortion: “No widened mouth,
no pulled eyes, and no unnatural-looking face.”

A More Defined V-Shaped Jawline

Repositions fat and removes excess tissue
for a slimmer, more defined facial contour

Long-Lasting Results

Designed to last significantly longer than a superficial skin-only lift

Individualized Planning

Uses 3D Simulation to help patients
visualize the planned result before deciding

Meticulous Scar Concealment

Incisions follow natural contours
so scars become difficult to notice

Choose an Experienced Plastic Surgeon

Every patient has different concerns. An effective facelift therefore requires a surgeon with a deep understanding of anatomy who can accurately assess each facial layer
and avoid over-pulling. Safety and natural-looking results should never be compromised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How is the ART Lyft Full Facelift Program different from a conventional facelift?

It lifts at the SMAS layer and releases the retaining ligaments, supporting results that look more natural and last longer.

Q2: How many years do facelift results last?

Longevity depends on skin condition, age, lifestyle, aftercare, and the individualized surgical plan. An in-person medical assessment is recommended for advice suited to your case.

Q3: Will there be significant swelling and bruising, and how long is recovery?

Swelling and bruising are common at first and generally subside gradually. Recovery time depends on your health, the extent of surgery, and your surgeon’s advice.

Q4: What is the youngest age for facelift surgery?

Eligibility is not determined by age alone. It depends on the degree of laxity, facial structure, health, and the patient’s goals.

Q5: Will the scars be noticeable?

Incisions are planned along natural contours such as the hairline, the crease in front of the ear, and behind the ear to minimize their visibility.

Q6: Can facelift surgery be performed more than once?

It may be possible in selected cases, but previous scar tissue, tissue planes, and overall safety must be assessed carefully.

Q7: Is general anesthesia required?

This depends on the extent of surgery and the assessment of both the surgeon and anesthesiologist.

Q8: Can a facelift be combined with the V-neck Lift Program or brow-lift surgery?

These procedures can be planned together in selected cases when appropriate for the patient’s concerns and safety.

Q9: When can I wear makeup after surgery?

Wait until the incisions have closed and your surgeon has approved makeup use. Timing varies with each person’s recovery.

Q10: What is the starting price?

Pricing depends on the concerns being treated, the extent of surgery, and the individualized care plan. Please book an assessment for specific information.

Are Sagging Skin, Deep Nasolabial Folds, or a Loose Neck
Making You Feel Self-Conscious?

A Natural-Looking Facelift with Dr. Jay
Designed Around Your Concerns

If you have started avoiding the camera because of facial laxity, sagging cheeks, a loose neck, drooping outer eyes, or under-eye bags that make you look older than you feel, we understand.

With the expertise of a board-certified plastic surgeon and a deep-plane facelift technique that works at the muscle-support layer, we aim to restore a naturally youthful appearance without the overly tight look associated with older facelift techniques.

Begin Your Journey Toward Renewed Confidence

Take the first step by booking a personalized consultation with Dr. Jay. He will listen to your goals, explain suitable techniques, and design a care plan tailored to your facial structure and individual needs.

Full Facelift Program with the ART Lyft Technique