Our Summary

This research paper discusses how modern face-lifting techniques have evolved. In the past, surgeons focused mainly on manipulating a certain layer of tissue in the face called the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). However, nowadays, the emphasis is more on restoring lost volume and reshaping the face. The loss of facial volume is a key part of the aging process and facelifts alone can’t correct this.

The article provides an in-depth look at the anatomy of facial fat compartments and explores how understanding these compartments can aid in rejuvenating the face. Surgeons can use this knowledge, along with careful visual analysis before surgery, to identify specific areas of the face that have lost volume. They can then add fat to these areas before going ahead with any manipulation of the SMAS layer. This approach can help achieve a more effective and natural-looking result from face-lifting procedures.

FAQs

  1. What is the modern focus of face-lifting procedures?
  2. How does understanding facial fat compartment anatomy aid in facial rejuvenation?
  3. What is the role of fat grafting and SMAS manipulation in face-lifting procedures?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about facelift is to consider incorporating fat grafting along with SMAS manipulation for a more natural and comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Understanding the role of facial fat compartments and targeting specific areas that have undergone deflation can help achieve optimal results. Preoperative visual analysis and careful planning are essential for a successful facelift procedure.

Suitable For

Facelift procedures are typically recommended for patients who are experiencing signs of aging in the face, such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of volume. Patients who may benefit from a facelift include those who have:

  • Loose or sagging skin on the face and neck
  • Deep lines and wrinkles on the face
  • Loss of volume in the cheeks, temples, or under the eyes
  • Jowls or a double chin
  • A tired or aged appearance

It is important for patients considering a facelift to have realistic expectations about the results and to be in good overall health. A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is essential to determine if a facelift is the right procedure for the individual patient’s needs and goals.

Timeline

Before facelift:

  1. Patient consultation: The patient meets with a plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and expectations for the procedure.
  2. Pre-operative assessment: The surgeon evaluates the patient’s facial anatomy, skin elasticity, and overall health to determine if they are a good candidate for a facelift.
  3. Pre-operative instructions: The patient receives instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including avoiding certain medications and alcohol, and quitting smoking.
  4. Surgical planning: The surgeon develops a customized surgical plan based on the patient’s goals and facial anatomy.

After facelift:

  1. Immediate post-operative care: The patient is monitored in the recovery room and given instructions on how to care for their incisions and manage any discomfort.
  2. Swelling and bruising: The patient can expect some swelling and bruising in the days following the surgery, which will gradually improve over time.
  3. Follow-up appointments: The patient will have several follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their healing progress and address any concerns.
  4. Long-term results: Over the following months, the patient will see the full results of their facelift as swelling subsides and the skin settles into its new position.
  5. Maintenance: To maintain the results of the facelift, the patient may choose to undergo additional procedures or treatments, such as fillers or skin tightening procedures.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the different techniques for facelift surgery and which one would be most suitable for me?
  2. How long is the recovery period for a facelift and what can I expect during this time?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with facelift surgery?
  4. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures, such as fat grafting, in conjunction with the facelift for optimal results?
  5. How long will the results of the facelift last and are there any maintenance treatments that may be necessary in the future?
  6. Can you provide before and after photos of previous facelift patients to give me an idea of the potential outcomes?
  7. How much experience do you have performing facelift surgeries and what is your success rate?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure and what are the potential side effects?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before and after the facelift surgery?
  10. What is the cost of the facelift procedure and are there any financing options available?

Reference

Authors: Rohrich RJ, Durand PD, Dayan E. Journal: Clin Plast Surg. 2019 Oct;46(4):515-522. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2019.06.001. Epub 2019 Jul 15. PMID: 31514804