Endoscopic Technique

An endoscopic facelift is a popular technique, because it is a less-invasive surgery procedure that has dramatic results for those who are good candidates, but aren’t interested in full face lift surgery. Endoscopic face lift is perfect for a patient who has very little extra skin or laxity, and no issues with their lower face and neck.

Endoscopic face lift surgery requires just a few tiny incisions in the scalp and temple region and an endoscope (a small camera with light source attached), and leaves no visible scars.

If you have sagging skin, visible jowls, and need to address extra fat in the neck, you will get a much better result from a traditional facelift.

Who is a good candidate for endoscopic facelift?

An endoscopic facelift is particularly effective for individuals with:

  • Sagging cheeks, without jowls
  • Deep nasal furrows
  • A smile that is beginning to turn down

The endoscopic facelift can be considered a light reversal of gravity, pulling the face up vertically after gravity has allowed the face to fall down over time. The process is less invasive than other facelifts, resulting in a natural and more youthful appearance without undergoing a full face lift.

The greatest benefit of an endoscopic facelift is that the patient is left with minimal or no scarring, and very little chance of any permanent numbness.

What happens during an endoscopic facelift?

During an endoscopic facelift, the endoscope (a very small camera) is inserted into one incision, and the surgical tool is inserted into another. Dr. Maddali controls both the camera and the surgical instrument via a television screen, and can modify the muscle and tissue structure beneath, pulling the skin up to readjust it. With this minimally invasive technique, there is very little potential for scarring.

Although not as dynamic as a traditional facelift, an endoscopic facelift offers benefits to the brow and cheek region that are more difficult to acquire with a traditional facelift. Because of the nature of the procedure, however, chin and neck problems may not be addressed.

How long does it take to recover from endoscopic facelift surgery?

Since the endoscopic facelift was designed to be minimally invasive, recovery is also much shorter than other forms of intensive cosmetic surgery. Bleeding, swelling, and the chance of permanent numbness are typically much less than with a traditional facelift.

The endoscopic facelift is usually done as an outpatient procedure with localized anesthesia, so potential recovery time is kept to a minimum. Dr. Maddali will prescribe a pain medication to alleviate any pain or discomfort.

To learn more about endoscopic surgery in San Francisco, contact the plastic surgery office of Sirish Maddali MD.