In facelift surgery, surgeons use several common incision techniques. Each incision has its own advantages and disadvantages and is suitable for different conditions. The information below will help you better understand these incision methods:
Subciliary incision – 1–2 mm below the lower lash line
This is a visible skin incision placed just beneath the lower eyelashes. Its advantages include wide access, easier tissue dissection, and effective treatment of the muscle area around the eyes. It is suitable when excess lower eyelid skin needs to be removed. However, the disadvantages include the possibility of a small scar, although it is usually hidden within the lash line after 3–6 months, and the risk of lower eyelid retraction if the closure technique is not performed correctly.
Application area: Midface lift and lower eyelid rejuvenation, including eye bags.
Transconjunctival incision – Inside the lower eyelid conjunctiva
This incision is made on the inner surface of the lower eyelid without cutting the outer skin, so there is no visible scar.
This technique is ideal for patients aged 35–48 who require lower eye bag fat removal, access to the SOOF area, and lifting of the malar fat pad without removing excess skin. It also carries a lower risk of lower eyelid retraction compared to the subciliary incision. However, because the area is highly delicate, this technique must be performed by an experienced surgeon.
Application area: Lower eyelid lifting and eye bag treatment.
Temporal incision – 2–3 cm hidden within the temporal hairline
This incision is commonly used in endoscopic procedures. A 4K camera is inserted through the hairline, allowing the surgeon to manipulate the temporal fascia, release retaining ligaments, and place suspension sutures to lift the tissues upward along a vertical vector. This technique keeps scars completely hidden within the hair.
It is often combined with a lower eyelid incision in the same procedure.
Application area: Temporal lift.
Preauricular incision – In front of the ear (Full facelift)
This classic technique involves an incision extending from the temple area around the ear. It is mainly used for full facelift procedures and is not typically performed alone for the midface. It allows the surgeon to manipulate the SMAS layer across the entire lower face in a single surgery.
Application area: Full facelift.
Combination of lower eyelid and temporal incisions
The lower eyelid incision provides direct access to eye bag fat, the SOOF layer, and cheek fat pads. Meanwhile, the temporal incision is used to place suspension sutures and lift soft tissues upward.
The surgical time for this combined technique usually ranges from 90–120 minutes. If excess lower eyelid skin needs to be removed, the surgeon may replace the transconjunctival incision with a subciliary incision, located very close to the lower lash line, usually 1–2 mm below it.
Application area: Temporal lifting and lower eyelid rejuvenation, including eye bag correction.
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