The aging face usually responds very effectively to a facelift. The facelift term is a slight misnomer. The real benefit of facial rejuvenation surgery occurs below the jawline. This does not address the eyes or the forehead. The upper phase is separate.
That is to say, the neck is the real telltale sign that most patients wish to reverse with a facelift. The incisions to achieve this are standard today. These incisions have gone through attempted changes which in my opinion have not produced success. Doctors are always trying to create new and better ways of treating patients.
Limited Incision Facelift
More often than not the standard time-tested method works best. At one point Drs. tried to treat the neck through an incision under the chin and removing the skin. This did not work well. The standard incision for a face and neck that need maximum treatment is as follows. Begins in the temple area, proceeds down in front of the ear, around the earlobe, into the sulcus behind the ear, turning at a specific bony prominence and following the hairline as long as needed to treat the area effectively.
This incision and its length are key to a successful neck lift. This incision allows full dissection access to the cheeks, down to the jawline bone, and into the neck area – where the real benefit can be achieved. Now, that’s not to say every facelift incision is the same length. We customize our incisions to meet the needs of that specific patient. In other words, we customize our procedures including the facelift.
THOMAS TREVISANI, MD
BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON
MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
