Facelift

The facelift procedure is intended to smooth redundant skin in the lower face (jowls) and neck (bands and wattles), providing less improvement in the midface (nasolabial folds). Over the last century, several types of lifting have emerged. Of these, the most popular are the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) and deep plane lifts. Knowledge of facial nerve and ligamentous anatomy is critical to performing facelifts successfully, as is an understanding of facial aesthetics and the changes brought about by age. The technical aspects of the SMAS and deep plane lifts are discussed in some detail. Common complications are listed, and methods of avoiding these are described.