Our Summary

This research paper is about different techniques used in facelift surgeries. The most common technique involves adjusting and tightening a layer of tissues under the skin known as the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), which can effectively treat signs of aging in the lower face and neck. However, this technique doesn’t improve the middle part of the face or the folds running from the nose to the corners of the mouth.

To rejuvenate the midface, cheek, and lower face in a balanced way, surgeons can use extended facelift techniques. These involve cutting certain ligaments that usually prevent traction (pulling) in the cheek area. There are a few versions of this technique, including the extended SMAS technique, the high SMAS technique, the deep plane facelift, and the composite plane facelift. Each of these techniques involves different ways of cutting and adjusting tissues to achieve the desired effect.

In particular, the deep and composite plane facelifts are effective as they lift the skin and underlying tissues as a single unit, allowing for good blood supply to the skin. The paper provides a detailed discussion on these facelift techniques and their related surgical anatomy.

FAQs

  1. What is the most common technique used in facelift surgeries and what areas does it treat?
  2. What are some techniques used to rejuvenate the midface, cheek, and lower face in a balanced way during a facelift?
  3. What are the benefits of the deep and composite plane facelift techniques?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering a facelift that different techniques can be used to target different areas of the face for optimal results. They may recommend considering an extended facelift technique to address signs of aging in the midface, cheeks, and lower face in a balanced way. It’s important to discuss these options with your surgeon to determine the best approach for achieving your desired outcome.

Suitable For

Facelift surgeries are typically recommended for patients who are seeking to address signs of aging in the lower face, jawline, and neck area. Common concerns that can be addressed with a facelift include sagging skin, deep wrinkles, jowls, and loss of definition in the jawline.

Ideal candidates for facelift surgery are usually in good overall health, do not smoke, have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery, and have specific concerns that can be addressed with a facelift. It is important for patients to have good skin elasticity and a moderate amount of skin laxity in order to achieve optimal results from the surgery.

Patients who are looking to improve the appearance of the midface, cheeks, and lower face in a balanced way may benefit from extended facelift techniques, such as the deep plane or composite plane facelift. These techniques can provide more comprehensive rejuvenation of the face and address concerns that may not be effectively treated with traditional facelift techniques.

Overall, the decision to undergo a facelift surgery should be made in consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess the individual patient’s concerns and goals, and recommend the most appropriate technique to achieve the desired results.

Timeline

Before the facelift surgery, a patient typically has a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and expectations. The surgeon will assess the patient’s facial structure and skin quality, as well as discuss the different techniques available and the potential risks and complications. The patient may also undergo pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery.

During the facelift surgery, the patient will be under general anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and pain-free. The surgeon will make incisions along the hairline and around the ears to access the underlying tissues. Depending on the technique used, the surgeon will adjust and tighten the SMAS layer, cut ligaments in the cheek area, or lift the skin and underlying tissues as a single unit. The incisions will then be closed with sutures.

After the facelift surgery, the patient will experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication and cold compresses. The patient will need to follow post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon, such as keeping the head elevated and avoiding strenuous activities. The sutures will be removed after about a week, and the patient will gradually see the results of the facelift as the swelling goes down.

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after a facelift surgery involves consultation, surgery, and recovery. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations and follow their surgeon’s instructions to achieve the best possible results.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific facelift technique do you recommend for my desired results?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the recommended facelift technique?
  3. How long is the recovery period for the recommended facelift technique?
  4. Will I need to undergo additional procedures or treatments to achieve optimal results?
  5. Can you provide before and after photos of patients who have undergone the recommended facelift technique?
  6. How long do the results of the recommended facelift technique typically last?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the facelift procedure?
  8. How many facelift surgeries have you performed using the recommended technique?
  9. What post-operative care instructions should I follow to ensure a successful recovery?
  10. Are there any alternative non-surgical options for achieving similar results to the recommended facelift technique?

Reference

Authors: Kaya KS, Cakmak O. Journal: Facial Plast Surg. 2022 Dec;38(6):540-545. doi: 10.1055/a-1877-9371. Epub 2022 Jun 16. PMID: 35709719