The Facelift

In the 1989 article, Dr. Bruce B. Chrisman discussed advancements in facelift techniques, highlighting the importance of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) plication, facial liposuction, and fat grafting. He emphasized the need for thorough surgeon training, patient education on the procedure's limitations, and detailed preoperative preparations to ensure safety. The surgical procedure, which takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, involves careful incisions, SMAS plication, and meticulous closing techniques to minimize scarring. Postoperative care includes pain management and instructions to aid recovery, with complications such as hematoma, facial nerve injury, hair loss, scarring, skin slough, and infection being relatively rare. The author concluded that with proper execution, facelifts can provide high patient satisfaction, minimal discomfort, and a quick return to normal activities, making it a gratifying procedure for both the patient and the dermatologic surgeon.