Our Summary

This research paper discusses a new technique of facelift called the ABC facelift. The purpose of the technique is to address three main issues that come with aging - sun damage, sagging of soft tissues, and loss of bone and fat volume in certain areas.

The procedure is done in three steps:

(A) First, fat grafting is done where fat is taken from other parts of the body and placed under the skin before the actual facelift starts.

(B) Then, a special tool called a Baraf elevator is used to separate the skin from the fibers underneath it. This is done after injecting a solution into the skin to make it swell and easier to work with.

(C) Lastly, the surgeons use a technique called cautery (burning) to separate the skin from the underlying muscle layer in the face and neck.

The study was performed on 34 patients, and the results showed that this ABC facelift procedure was quicker than traditional methods, caused less blood loss, and resulted in better skin condition post-surgery with less bruising and swelling. This meant patients could return to their normal social life quicker.

The researchers concluded that the ABC facelift is a simple, effective technique to address common aging issues. They are also looking into using more advanced tools to separate the skin layers for further improvements.

FAQs

  1. What is the ABC facelift technique and what aging issues does it address?
  2. What are the steps involved in the ABC facelift procedure?
  3. How does the ABC facelift technique compare to traditional methods based on the research study’s findings?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about facelift is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, such as keeping the head elevated, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments. It is also important to protect the skin from sun exposure and maintain a healthy skincare routine to prolong the results of the facelift. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and exercise can help support the healing process and overall appearance of the face.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a facelift procedure are those who are experiencing signs of aging such as sagging skin, deep folds and wrinkles, loss of facial volume, and sun damage. These patients may be looking to improve their overall appearance and restore a more youthful look.

The ABC facelift technique discussed in the research paper specifically targets these common aging concerns and may be recommended for patients who are looking for a more advanced and effective facelift procedure. This technique is particularly beneficial for patients who want to address multiple aging issues in one procedure, as it combines fat grafting, skin separation, and muscle layer separation to achieve optimal results.

Overall, patients who are in good general health, have realistic expectations, and are looking to address the signs of aging in their face and neck area may be recommended for a facelift procedure, including the ABC facelift technique. It is important for patients to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if they are a suitable candidate for this procedure and to discuss their individual goals and expectations.

Timeline

Before the facelift procedure:

  1. Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals and expectations
  2. Pre-operative testing and medical evaluation
  3. Avoiding certain medications and supplements that can increase bleeding
  4. Fasting before the surgery
  5. Anesthesia administration before the procedure

After the facelift procedure:

  1. Recovery in a post-operative care facility or at home
  2. Monitoring for complications such as infection or excessive bleeding
  3. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days following surgery
  4. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress
  5. Gradual return to normal activities and appearance improvement over time

Overall, the facelift procedure can provide long-lasting results in terms of rejuvenating the facial appearance and addressing signs of aging. It is important for patients to carefully follow post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process and optimal outcomes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about the ABC facelift technique include:

  1. What specific issues does the ABC facelift address compared to traditional facelift techniques?
  2. How does fat grafting as part of the procedure benefit the overall results?
  3. What is the Baraf elevator tool and how does it help in separating the skin from the underlying fibers?
  4. How does the use of cautery during the procedure affect the results and recovery process?
  5. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the ABC facelift technique?
  6. How long is the recovery time expected to be compared to traditional facelift procedures?
  7. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions or follow-up appointments required?
  8. Can the ABC facelift be customized to target specific areas of concern for each individual patient?
  9. What type of anesthesia is typically used for the procedure and what are the potential side effects?
  10. Are there any additional procedures or treatments that can be combined with the ABC facelift for enhanced results?

Reference

Authors: Cohen SR, Hewett S, Baraf P, Crowley SJ, Atlan M. Journal: Aesthet Surg J. 2021 May 18;41(6):641-651. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjaa213. PMID: 32722753