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|Face|Mini Facelift|Facelift Surgery Guide – Step 5

Step 5: Trimming And Tightening

• Step 1: Facelift Surgery Goals
• Step 2: Making the Incision
• Step 3: Creating a Pocket
• Step 4: Understanding the Layers
• Step 5: Trimming and Tightening
• Step 6: Improving Jaw Definition
• Step 7: Firming the Neck
• Step 8: Removing Extra Skin
• Step 9: Placing Fine Sutures
• Step 10: The Final Result

Plastic surgeons use several methods to elevate the SMAS, but the specific approach isn’t as important as performing the technique with skill. Modern facelifts can extend the longevity of the results and reduce scar tension and widening. The mini-facelift procedure used by our Denver, Colorado surgeons is called a SMASectomy and plication, which they use to tighten and elevate the face. A SMASectomy involves trimming an ellipse of SMAS, which is parallel to the nasolabial folds and marionette lines. We achieve a perpendicular pull on these creases when the edges are sewn together (plication). This is an extremely safe technique to tighten the SMAS since the nerves that control facial movement are beneath the SMAS. By trimming off this ellipse, at no time is the surgery performed under the SMAS where the nerves are at risk of injury. Therefore, Dr. Vath, Dr. Wolfe, and Dr. Steinwald can confidently report never having caused a temporary or permanent facial nerve paralysis in any patient.

Most modern facelift techniques tighten the underlying SMAS layer in order to support the face from beneath, enhance the longevity of the rejuvenation, and reduce scar tension and widening. Although there are several methods to achieve SMAS elevation, the exact approach is not important as long as the technique is performed well. During the mini-facelift procedure, a SMASectomy and plication technique is used to tighten and elevate the face. An ellipse of SMAS is trimmed out of the face (SMASectomy). This ellipse is parallel to the nasolabial folds and marionette lines so that a perpendicular pull on these creases is achieved when the edges are sewn together (plication). This is an extremely safe technique to tighten the SMAS because the nerves beneath the SMAS control facial movements. The technique poses no risk to the nerves. Therefore, Dr. Vath, Dr. Wolfe, and Dr. Steinwald can report confidently that they’ve never caused a temporary or permanent facial nerve paralysis in any patient.

Mini-Facelift vs. Traditional Facelift

The common method used for a traditional facelift requires surgery beneath the SMAS layer, exposing nerves to potential injury. The SMAS plication technique used during a mini-facelift is equally effective, supporting the elevation of the SMAS layer, without the possible increased risk of nerve injury.

Step 6: Improving Jaw Definition

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