Facelift: How Far Should You Pull for Proper Results?

Hearing comments like “You look tired lately,” or “You seem to have aged,” can make you take a closer look in the mirror. While wrinkles and drooping skin are natural signs of aging, they can be a concern for those actively engaged in social life or facing important events. This is why many inquire about facelift surgery, a procedure that involves lifting the face.

A frequently asked question during consultations is:

“Doctor, please make sure to pull it tight since we’re doing it anyway. Isn’t that the way to make the results last?”

Of course, the desire for visible change is understandable. However, a successful facelift isn’t determined by how hard or how much the skin is pulled. Over-pulling the skin can lead to unnatural expressions, prominent scars, and the potential for the skin to sag again shortly after. The secret lies beneath the skin where it’s not visible.

Why Does Only Tightening the Skin Not Last Long?

The skin on our face is more resilient than we think. Just as a rubber band becomes loose if stretched continuously, overly stretching the skin alone makes it prone to sagging over time because it doesn’t address the root cause of the problem.

The real culprit behind facial sagging is the weakening of the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layer, located deep beneath the skin. This thin, tough fibrous tissue between the skin and muscles acts as the framework supporting the overall facial structure. As we age, the SMAS layer loses strength and sags due to gravity, which is why the skin and fat above it also droop. It’s like how a house remains strong not by just painting the exterior but by ensuring the framework itself is sound.

Meticulous Dissection is Key to Successful Surgery

Ultimately, the core of a facelift is the precise dissection and repositioning of the aged SMAS layer back to its original position and securing it firmly. The precision and safety of this process dictate the natural look and longevity of the surgery results.

However, the area around the SMAS layer is interwoven with numerous tiny blood vessels and vital nerves responsible for facial sensation and movement. Avoiding damage and achieving the precise depth require high concentration and delicate manual skills.

Lengthy surgery can become physically demanding. When peering through loupes (surgical magnifying glasses), neck and shoulder discomfort can occur. Limited vision can make it difficult to see fine details, necessitating more caution with every movement. This led me to continually seek a clearer and more stable approach.

The Change Brought by Surgical Microscopes

I found the solution in surgical microscopes. These instruments provide precise vision aids during a facelift, thereby reducing damage to surrounding tissue and improving accuracy.

With an enlarged field of view, structures, blood vessels, and nerves of the SMAS layer become more distinct, allowing for safer surgery with minimal unnecessary damage. Performing the surgery while viewing a monitor, instead of bending over, created a more comfortable and focused environment, and this positive difference carries over to the recovery process.

Successful anti-aging surgery goes beyond just smoothing wrinkles — it’s about restoring a natural, healthy appearance without altering the patient’s inherent expressions. When considering surgery, it is essential to look at ‘how it is approached’ rather than just ‘how far to pull.’

What do you think is the most crucial factor for a successful facelift surgery? If you share your opinions in the comments, I’ll provide more valuable information in future content.

The most important criterion in facelift surgery is not ‘how much’ is pulled, but ‘where and how’ it is corrected. A lift based on precise anatomical understanding not only ensures natural recovery but also promises long-lasting results. For a more professional consultation, please contact us.

The micro-detailed assurance unseen by the eyes, promising top surgical outcomes with the 3D microscope.

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