Surgical Facelift

Abstract

AbstractWith aging, a combination of gravitational forces, laxity of the skin due to loss of elasticity, decreased dermal thickness and loss of dermal appendages results in ptotic, hanging skin. Face lift or rhytidectomy as its name suggest is a procedure to partially eliminate folds, creases and wrinkles (rhytids) caused by gravity and degeneration. The creation of two large cervicofacial flaps which after suspension and trimming, produces an overall tightening the skin and the fascial envelope of the face and neck results in restored anatomical structure. Treatment of the SMAS layer is important and can be broadly categorized into 3 methods. They are plication, elevation and imbrication and SMASectomy. Platysma elevation and plication can be carried out simultaneously for the neck. Face lift can help to negate some of these gravitational problems and produce some intrinsic improvement. Complications include haematoma, skin ischaemia and necrosis, obvious scarring, sensory disturbances, motor nerve disturbances and ear lobe irregularities.