“Personal Techniques”
In the previous facelift blog, the most important modern facelift techniques were presented and their different properties were highlighted. Although numerous other techniques have been documented, and some of them are touted as revolutionary, most are variations on the same basic principle. Remember that today’s best facelift surgeons base their work on proven methods.
Misleading advertising
You should be aware that there is misleading advertising in cosmetic surgery. Many surgeons tout their “personal techniques” with interesting-sounding names, but often repackage old methods with minor modifications or, worse, use minimally invasive methods with minimal and short-term effects. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a minimally invasive facelift. In this blog I will discuss cosmetic surgeries to treat the midface and neck and explain why some facelift techniques have fallen out of fashion. Additional procedures that are essential for a harmonious result are also discussed.
The subperiosteal facelift
The subperiosteal facelift was first described by the famous French surgeon Paul Tessier. Modern modifications use an endoscope (camera) and small access incisions to lift the eyebrows, forehead and cheeks and reach the midface by dissecting directly along the bone. Endoscopic techniques are rarely used today. It has become unnecessary thanks to neuromodulators (Botox), temporal brow lifts or direct eyebrow lifts and autologous fat grafting. In addition, it is associated with a longer treatment and recovery time, a limited long-term effect and a limited ability to treat the lower part of the face and neck, which is the main problem area in most patients. The techniques originally used by Paul Tessier have fallen out of fashion due to their invasiveness and long scars.
The midface lift
The midfacial region includes the area under the eyes and along the middle cheekbones, extending down to the upper lip. A midface lift focuses on rejuvenating the middle area of the face by repositioning structures such as lower eyelids, correcting loss of volume under the eyes, and lifting the middle cheeks. If you notice a significant improvement in your facial aesthetics by gently lifting your middle cheeks upwards when looking in the mirror, you may be considering a midface lift. However, you should note that many facelift patients only require volume replacement in the mid-facial area, which can be achieved with fat grafting, a much less invasive procedure.
Neck lift
A neck lift can counteract the signs of aging in the neck region if these cannot be treated with a lower facelift alone. It is often performed in conjunction with a facelift to treat significant skin and muscle laxity as well as submuscular fat accumulation in the neck area. There are several methods that can be used. Which method is used depends on your anatomy and your goals. When the skin on the neck sags, unattractive wrinkles and lines can form. The cause of the problem is the relaxed platysma muscle (the largest and most superficial muscle in the neck). Relaxation of this muscle results in visible muscle bands and a loss of definition of the angle between the submental area (under the chin) and the neck, especially in the side view. The incision for access to the side of the neck is located behind the ear, just like the incision for the lower facelift. During the procedure, superficial fat from the cheek and neck region can be modeled or redistributed using liposuction. The deep tissue containing the lateral platysma muscle and SMAS is repositioned and tightened as the skin follows the muscle. If there is severe laxity of the platysma or fat deposits beneath the muscle, an incision under the chin is necessary to directly remove the fat and tighten the muscle.
Corset platysmaplasty
Corset platysmaplasty through the incision under the chin is designed to improve the angle of the neck. The inner edges of the platysma muscle are joined with sutures, creating a smooth, flat seam that makes the visible muscle bands disappear. The gradual tightening along this seam gives the neck better definition. Sometimes fat removal from beneath the muscle is also necessary.
Supplementary procedures
The complementary procedures to achieve the best facelift results focus on improving skin quality and providing additional skin tightening.
Morpheus8™
Morpheus8™ is a state-of-the-art non-surgical deep needling technique designed to counteract the natural decline in skin quality over time. Its great effect is based on the combination of two powerful regenerative technologies: microneedling and radio frequency energy, which rejuvenate and improve the skin. More information about Morpheus8™ can be found in a separate blog.
FaceTite™ AccuTite™
These treatments use subcutaneous radiofrequency (RF) energy to tighten skin, sculpt fat, and improve skin quality. They can simultaneously reduce fat deposits and treat moderate skin laxity to reshape facial contours in areas not easily reached with a facelift without taking major risks. Here you can find a blog explaining the technology here.
Autologous fat grafting
Fat grafting (lipofilling) is a permanent solution that restores volume to areas such as the eyes, mouth, cheeks and temples and enhances the contouring effects of facelifts. The mid-cheek region is an important region for fat injection to combat age-related volume loss and achieve a youthful appearance. Finally, the fat can also be used to improve the quality of the skin. If you would like to learn more about the different fat grafting techniques, read our dedicated blog here.
Postoperative care
Control of blood pressure
It is crucial that your blood pressure remains stable before, during and after surgery to minimise the risk of post-operative bleeding, which is the most common complication of facelift surgery (with a complication rate of approximately 1%). Therefore, I advise you to stay in the clinic for at least 24 hours after the procedure for monitoring.
Medication for pain and nausea
Medication is given to relieve mild pain and swelling and to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting that may occur after facelift.
Drains
Depending on the extent of the procedure, drains are used that are removed before you go home.
Dressing
A loose wound dressing is applied on the first night as a small amount of blood can ooze from the incisions. You can wash your hair the next day.
Compression garment
If a major correction to the neck area has been carried out, a special elastic compression garment will be worn for a few weeks after the operation.
Return to everyday life
You can resume your normal daily activities within 2 to 3 weeks after the operation, including light activities immediately after leaving the clinic.
Are you interested in a face or neck lift? Book your consultation with me! I am an expert in authenticity. Minimise your risks. Maximise your results!