Advances in Facelift Technique Improve Results

Submitted by Dr. Joyesh Raj on Sun 01/28/2018 - 09:00

Facelift surgeons face a challenging task: rejuvenating the facial skin and features without creating a frozen or artificial expression. But by adopting a few advanced techniques over the years, plastic surgeons like Dr. Joyesh Raj can improve the quality of their facelift results and overall patient satisfaction.

Below, Dr. Raj discusses two key techniques that contribute to exceptional facelift results.

Sculpt the Platysma Muscles

One of the primary goals of facelift surgery is to tighten loose, hanging skin and tissues. Most patients that experience laxity in the middle and lower regions of the face also have similar problems on the neck. Treating the face but not the neck can result in a noticeable discrepancy between the two areas.

The platysma muscles run up the left and right sides of the neck; over time, these muscles can relax and separate. An excellent facelift must address the problems with this muscle layer (and the overlying skin) in order to improve the overall appearance of the neck and lower face. The muscles must be brought back together and tightened to create better support for the neck; then, excess skin should be trimmed and the remaining skin tightened for a more elegant neck contour.

Fat Grafting to the Face

Tightening loose skin and muscle isn’t enough to create a younger-looking face. Everyone loses volume in the face as a result of the aging process, and it is imperative to restore some of that fullness in order to achieve youthful facial contours.

One of the ways plastic surgeons can do this is with fat grafting (also known as fat transfer). This technique involves transplanting fat from one area of the patient’s body to the other. Fat is removed from an area of the patient’s body where there is a fat surplus (usually the lower abdomen, flanks or hips). Then it is purified and re-injected into the facial areas where there is a fat deficit. The most commonly treated areas include the cheeks, the areas underneath the eyes, the temples and the nasolabial folds, which are the deep creases extending from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Some patients opt to add fat to the lips, too.

Book a Facelift Consultation with Dr. Raj

For more information about turning back the clock with facelift, please schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Raj. Call or email Raj Plastic Surgery today.