The way we present ourselves to the world has been a crucial concern for people throughout all stages of human evolution. Accordingly, improving the way we look, and the methods used to enhance our appearance have developed significantly over the years.
While all plastic surgery techniques have improved over the past century, one procedure that has received a lot of attention has been the facelift. This is perhaps because nowhere on our body are the signs of aging more apparent than in our faces.
Cosmetic surgery procedures on the face, such as eyelid surgery, facial implants, and facelifts, are among some of the more popular in the U.S. One of the most effective anti-aging surgeries, the facelift is now a highly refined procedure that can effectively reduce the signs of aging.
Here, the expert team at Faces PLLC shares with us their knowledge on how facelifts have changed through the years, and how they are now one of the most satisfying, successful cosmetic surgeries available.
Early Facelifts
The first facelifts were performed at the beginning of the 20th century, sometime around 1903. These rudimentary facelifts involved a surgeon simply excising excess skin and then pulling the remaining skin closer together, thus tightening the skin over the face. However, these “skin-only” facelifts were basic procedures with numerous limitations.
As the surgeon repositioned the skin, they would also unintentionally shift the underlying fat deposits and other structures that help give fullness to the cheeks and jawline and shape to the eyes and forehead.
These original methods left significant amounts of scarring and didn’t adequately address any of the underlying physiology of the face.
For most patients considering a facelift, excess skin is a concern. However, changes in the structure of the face, such as the location of fat deposits, connective tissue, and musculature, all lead to a loss of volume, sunken features, and a lack of definition.
As such, pioneering plastic surgeons would eventually need to address these issues.
Stress Causes Change – Sub-facial Dissection
Throughout the 20th century, WWI, WWII, and other conflicts forced surgeons to improve their techniques and expand their surgical procedures. The understanding of human anatomy dramatically increased during these years, and surgical practices evolved at an unprecedented rate.
Facelift procedures continued to improve until the 1980s when plastic surgeons introduced the sub-facial dissection technique for performing facelifts. Directly underneath our skin lies an infrastructure of small muscles and connective tissues that connect our skin to our body, known as the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). With this new technique, surgeons could now lift the skin independently of the SMAS to remove saggy patches and reduce wrinkles without relocating the natural fat deposits and musculature of the face. This resulted in far more natural-looking results for patients.
Thus, the sub-facial dissection technique became the industry standard.
Modern Facelift – Personalized and Customized with Volume and Definition
Today, top facelift surgeons still separate the skin from the SMAS during a facelift, but continually innovate the procedure. Incision placement, complementary techniques, and improved methodology provide better-than-ever results for the patient.
Surgeons can now use implants, dermal fillers, and other injectables in conjunction with sub-facial dissection to ensure a revitalizing, volumizing, and youth-enhancing process.
In particular, surgeons are now capable of eliminating forehead wrinkles, neckline wrinkles, and jowls, while simultaneously increasing the volume of the cheeks, the definition of the jawline, and the appearance of the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Many patients also consider other surgeries in conjunction with their facelift, including eyelid surgery and/or a brow lift, to further enhance their appearance and help them achieve their aesthetic goals.
Gold-standard Facelift Surgery in Ridgeland, MS
At Faces PLLC, we have an expert team of noted surgeons and nurses who specialize in anti-aging facelifts. With the highest standard in medical practice and surgical techniques, Faces PLLC offers patients the very best plastic surgery experience in the Jackson metro area.
We are currently offering online video consultations where you can learn about all the facelift options we offer and have all your questions answered from the comfort and safety of your own home. You can also book an in-person consultation by filling out our online form or calling us at 601 607 3033.