Throughout history, the quest for youth has been relentless, especially for a youthful face. Facelift surgery, involving the removal of excess skin and tightening of underlying tissues, has significantly evolved since its inception in 1901. Let’s explore the journey from early attempts to today’s advanced techniques.

Early Attempts in the 1700s

In the 1700s, Italian and French surgeons used a method called subcutaneous undermining, which involved pulling the skin back, removing the excess, and stitching it in place. However, due to limited knowledge of facial anatomy, this often led to unnatural results and complications such as scarring and nerve damage.

1901: The Hollander Technique

The modern facelift began in 1901 with German surgeon Eugen Hollander. He performed the first recorded facelift by removing excess tissue around the ear and neck to tighten the skin. This method became popular among surgeons in Germany, France, and England.

1920-1930: A Golden Era

In the 1920s and 1930s, American plastic surgeon Dr. Gus G. Wendell introduced techniques foundational to modern facelifts. By making incisions in the hairline, pulling the skin back, and removing excess skin, surgeons achieved more natural results. This advancement was due to a better understanding of facial anatomy and the importance of tightening deeper tissues.

1950-1960: The SMAS Facelift

The 1950s and 1960s saw the introduction of the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) facelift, which focuses on lifting and tightening deeper facial layers. This technique involves incisions around the ears, providing long-lasting and natural-looking results with a shorter recovery period of 10-14 days.

Late 1990s: The Deep Plane Facelift

By the late 1990s, Dr. Sam Hamra introduced the deep plane facelift, targeting deeper facial tissues for optimal results. This technique lifts and repositions muscles and fat pads, providing natural-looking rejuvenation.

Late 1990s-Present: Endoscopic Techniques

Since the late 1990s, advancements such as endoscopic techniques have refined facelifts. Surgeons use small fiber-optic cameras to work on underlying facial structures with minimal incisions. This approach offers precise, less invasive results but is often combined with traditional methods for more pronounced signs of aging.

Modern Facelift Techniques at Aesthetic MdR

At Aesthetic MdR, Dr. Luis Macias employs advanced facelift techniques tailored to individual needs:

Deep Plane Facelift: This technique adjusts soft tissue beneath the SMAS layer to firm the skin, improve jawline definition, smooth cheeks, and revitalize the neck. It provides comprehensive rejuvenation with long-lasting results.

Vertical Lift: This procedure repositions the lower face, addressing sagging skin on the jawline and under the chin with minimal scarring.

Mid-Facelift: Ideal for volume loss in the mid-face, this technique involves small incisions to reposition soft tissue, reducing skin sagging and enhancing definition.

Lower Facelift: This procedure targets areas below the mouth, reducing lines, wrinkles, and excess neck skin for a younger appearance.

Cost Considerations

The evolution of facelift surgery has made it more accessible and affordable. Modern techniques like the mid and lower facelifts at Aesthetic MdR are less invasive, with shorter recovery times and reduced costs. During a consultation, Dr. Macias will provide a detailed cost breakdown and help you choose the best approach for your needs.

Contact Dr. Luis Macias for the modern facelift approach that fits your budget. 

If you found this article interesting, don’t miss our original article on the topic: The Evolution of the Facelift Surgery: From Hollander to a Deep Plane Facelift.

Published by: Martin De Juan