<!
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
-->

Sam P. Most, M.D., F.A.C.S.
www.drmost.com

What is a facelift?

As a facial plastic surgeon, I commonly find myself explaining to my patients the details of a facelift. The term has always been a bit misleading, as it typically refers to a procedure that does nothing for the eyes or forehead (which are also part of the face, last time I checked). However, I find myself thinking about this more and more, as this term is now being used for a number of procedures.

The medical definition ‘rhytidectomy’, the common medical term for facelift (which, by the way, means ‘wrinkle excision’), is a surgical procedure that tightens the lower face and neck. There are multiple variations of the rhytidectomy.

For example, the “minilift” is a term that may be used to describe any type of facelift that is meant to suit the more active lifestyle. Lifts that are thus labeled are sometimes modified by the surgeon ever so slightly and renamed as if proprietary. More often than not, they are insignificant modifications to a procedure that has been acircular for a while. In any case, these types of lifts typically offer slightly less downtime but a lesser result in the long term (that is, more than 1 year). Rigorous studies regarding the effectiveness of various types of mini-facelifts are lacking. Thus, one must rely on anecdotal evidence, which is often inadequate.

What about “MACS” lifts?

The MACS lifts originated in Europe, and is an acronym for ‘Minimal Access Cranial Suspension”. In this technique, a type of mini-lift is performed. The addition is the use of sutures from above the ear to the tissues of the mid-face, jawline and jowl areas. Thus, this is really variation of the minilift. A number of surgeons have used sutures in various ways, in combination with a min-lift, to good effect. As I mentioned above, however, it is important to comprehend that the longevity of these types of lifts is probably less than the more traditional lifts.

What is a “Deep Plane Facelift”?

The so-called ‘deep plane’ facelift is also a term that, in the strictest sense, refers to a specific type of lift. However, in the facial plastic surgeons’ parlance, it may refer to a more substantial repositioning of facial tissues that ostensibly gives a more long-lasting and natural result. This is the facelift that is typically most often used by experienced facial plastic surgeons (such as myself). Non-facial plastic surgeons (such as dermatologists or ophthalmologists) who have started to do facial cosmetic surgery do not typically have training to do this procedure and thus adhere to the so-called mini-lifts (though they may call them ‘facelifts’).

What about non-invasive facial rejuvenation?

Facial rejuvenation is undergoing a revolution. While initially we as surgeons thought the revolution would be from the knife to totally non-invasive procedures, things don’t appear to be panning out quite that way. Rather, we seem to be arriving at the conclusion that in order to rejuvenate the face, an individualized approach that may combine both non-invasive and surgical techniques is the most appropriate.

For more information regarding facelifts, visit http://www.drmost.com/faclft.html