Current face lifting procedure: an attempt at evaluation.

Abstract

There are many techniques currently available for face lifting. The individual choice should be made based upon solid knowledge of anatomy and physiology as well as upon knowledge of long-term results in operated patients. In the absence of scientific information regarding deterioration of skin and muscle tension after operation, the only valid basis for judgement is a combination of the surgeon's assessment and the patient's degree of satisfaction 10 years after the operation. The latter is often impossible to obtain. The recently proposed deep undermining of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) seems both excessive and potentially dangerous. An evaluation of 30 consecutive patients would seem to indicate that a segmental approach, along with tightening of the platysmal and genioparotid layers of the SMAS, gives good immediate results and may be responsible for longer-lasting results.