Surgical Facelift: An Overview


Authors : Dr. Kedar Kawsankar; Dr. Uma Mahindra; Dr. Deepak Motwani

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 4 - April


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3397a7e5

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25apr263

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : Surgical Facelift (Rhytidectomy) A surgical facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a facial rejuvenation procedure aimed at reversing visible signs of aging in the face and neck. This technique addresses the loss of skin elasticity, deepening of facial folds, descent of soft tissues, and the accumulation of subcutaneous fat, which collectively contribute to an aged appearance. The procedure focuses on restoring youthful facial contours by repositioning and tightening the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and underlying musculature.

Keywords : Rhytidectomy/Lifting / Rhytidoplasty / Rejuvenation / Aging / SMAS.

References :

  1. Tonnard, P., et al. (2019). A meta-analysis of complication rates among different SMAS facelift techniques. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 39(9), 1053–1063. (PubMed)
  2. Yoon, J., et al. (2023). Evolution of superficial muscular aponeurotic system . facelift techniques: A comprehensive systematic review of complications and outcomes. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 43(4), 419–430. (PMC)
  3. Barton, F. E., et al. (2020). Deep plane facelift: An evaluation of the high-SMAS versus standard incision points. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 40(1), 1–8. (PubMed)
  4. Moy, R. L., et al. (2021). SMAS plication facelift. In: StatPearls
  5. Ryan RF. A 1927 view of cosmetic surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2000;106:1211.
  6. Hollander E. diekosmetischechirurgie. In: Joseph M, ed. Handbuch der kosmetik. Leipzig: Verlag von Viet; 1912:668.
  7. Lexer E. Leipzig: JA Barth; 1931.
  8. Miller C. The Correction of Featural Imperfections. Chicago: Oak Printing; 1907.
  9. Joseph J. Hangewangenplastik (melomioplastik). Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 1921;47:287.
  10. Passot R. La chirurgieesthetique des rides du visages. Presse Med. 1919;27:258.
  11. Noel A. La Chirurgieesthetique: Son Role Social. Paris: Masson et Cite; 1926.
  12. Bettman A. Plastic and cosmetic surgery of the face. Northwest Med. 1920:205.
  13. Adamson PA, Moran ML. Historical trends in surgery for the aging face. Facial Plast Surg. 1993;9:133e142. http: //dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-2008-1064604.
  14. 14. Skoog T. Plastic Surgery: New Methods and Refinements. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders; 1974.
  15. 15. Mitz V, Peyronie M. The superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS) in the parotid and cheek area. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1976;58:80e88.
  16. 16. Furnas DW. The retaining ligaments of the cheek. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1989;83:11e16.
  17. 17. Tessier P. Facelifting and frontal rhytidectomy. In: Transactions of the Seventh International Congress of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Rio de Janiero: Ely Jf; 1980:39.
  18. 18. Psillakis JM, Rumley TO, Camargos A. Subperiosteal approach as an improved concept for correction of the aging face. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1988;82:383e394.
  19. 19. Ramirez OM, Maillard GF, Musolas A. The extended subperiosteal face lift: a definitive soft-tissue remodeling for facial rejuvenation. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1991;88:227e236. discussion 237e238.
  20. 20. Baker DC. Lateral SMA sectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1997;100:509e513.
  21. 21. Berry MG, Davies D. Platysma-SMAS plication facelift. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2010;63:793e800. http: //dx.doi.org/10.1016/ j.bjps.2009.02.067.
  22. 22. Mendelson BC. Surgery of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system: principles of release, vectors, and fixation. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2001;107:1545e1552. discussion 1553e1555, 1556e1557, 1558e1561.
  23. 23. Warren R. Facelift. In: Plastic Surgery. 3rd ed. New York: Elsevier; 2012.
  24. 24. Chang S, Pusic A, Rohrich RJ. A systematic review of comparison of efficacy and complication rates among face-lift techniques.Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011;127:423e433. http: //dx.doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181f95c08.
  25. 25. Tipton JB. Should the subcutaneous tissue be plicated in a face lift? Plast Reconstr Surg. 1974;54:1e5.
  26. 26. Rees TD, Aston SJ. A clinical evaluation of the results of submusculo-aponeurotic dissection and fixation in face lifts. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1977;60:851e859.
  27. 27. Hamra ST. The deep-plane rhytidectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1990;86:53e61. discussion 62e63.
  28. 28. Kamer FM. One hundred consecutive deep plane face-lifts. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1996;122:17e22.
  29. 29. Adamson PA, Dahiya R, Litner J. Midface effects of the deepplane vs the superficial musculoaponeurotic system placation face-lift. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2007;9:9e11. doi: 9/1/9 [pii].
  30. 30. Ivy EJ, Lorenc ZP, Aston SJ. Is there a difference? A prospective study comparing lateral and standard SMAS face lifts with extended SMAS and composite rhytidectomies. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1996;98:1135e1143. discussion 1144e1147.
  31. 31. Becker FF, Bassichis BA. Deep-plane face-lift vs superficial musculoaponeurotic system plication face-lift: a comparative study. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2004;6:8e13. http: //dx.doi.org/10.1001/archfaci.6.1.8.
  32. 32. Abraham RF, DeFatta RJ, Williams 3rd EF. Thread-lift for facial rejuvenation: assessment of long-term results. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2009;11:178e183. http://dx.doi.org/10. 1001/archfacial.2009.10.
  33. 33. Lycka B, Bazan C, Poletti E, Treen B. The emerging technique of the antiptosissubdermal suspension thread. Dermatol Surg. 2004;30:41e44. discussion 44. doi: 30000 [pii].
  34. 34. Saylan Z. The S-lift: less is more. Aesthet Surg J. 1999;19:406.
  35. 35. Tonnard P, Verpaele A, Monstrey S, et al. Minimal access cranialsuspension lift: a modified S-lift. Plast Reconstr Surg.2002;109:2074e2086.
  36. 36. Gilchrest B. Cellular and molecular changes in aging skin. J Geriatr Dermatol. 1994:3e6.
  37. 37. Paul MD, Calvert JW, Evans GR. The Evolution of the Midface Lift in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006; 117: 1809-1827.
  38. 38.Hinderer UT. The Blepharoperiorbitoplasty in Rhytidectomy: Anatomical Basis. In: Abstracts of the VIII Congress of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Madrid, Spain. 1985; 91.
  39. 39. Tonnard PL, Verpaele A, et al. 300 MACS-lift short scar rhytidectomies: analysis of results ancomplications. Eur J Plast Surg 2005;28:198-205.
  40. 40. Tonnard PL, Verpaele A, Gaia S. Optimizing results from minimalaccess cranial suspension lifting (MACS-lift). Aesthetic Plast Surg2005;29:213-220.
  41. 41. Baker D. Aptos thread facial rejuvenation. Discussion Moder. Stuzin M. Annual Meeting of ASAPS and ASERF. 2005;30 [Google Scholar]
  42. 42. Besins T. The “R.A.R.E.” technique (reverse and repositioning effect): the renaissance of the aging face and neck. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2004;28:127–142. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  43. 43. Leist FD, Masson JK, Erich JB. A review of 324 rhytidectomies, emphasizing complications and
  44. patient dissatisfaction. Plast Reconstr Surg 1977; 59:525.
  45. 44. Conway H. Analysis of 25 consecutive rhytidectomies. N Y State J Med 1967;67:790.
  46. 45. McDowell A. Effective practical steps to avoid complications in facelifting. Plast Reconstr Surg 1972;50:
  47. 46. Baker TJ, Gordon HL. Complications of rhytidectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg 1967;40:31.
  48. 47. Matarasso A. National plastic surgery survey: face lift techniques and complications. Plast Reconstr
  49. Surg 2000;106:1185–95.

Surgical Facelift (Rhytidectomy) A surgical facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a facial rejuvenation procedure aimed at reversing visible signs of aging in the face and neck. This technique addresses the loss of skin elasticity, deepening of facial folds, descent of soft tissues, and the accumulation of subcutaneous fat, which collectively contribute to an aged appearance. The procedure focuses on restoring youthful facial contours by repositioning and tightening the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and underlying musculature.

Keywords : Rhytidectomy/Lifting / Rhytidoplasty / Rejuvenation / Aging / SMAS.

Never miss an update from Papermashup

Get notified about the latest tutorials and downloads.

Subscribe by Email

Get alerts directly into your inbox after each post and stay updated.
Subscribe
OR

Subscribe by RSS

Add our RSS to your feedreader to get regular updates from us.
Subscribe