Minimally Invasive Face-lifting: S-Lift and S-Plus Lift Rhytidectomies

Today, many patients seeking facial rejuvenation desire a more limited procedure devoid of complications, with a natural, ‘‘nonplasticized’’ look and a rapid return to their usual activities. Patients often demonstrate their aesthetic desires for rejuvenation by lifting the skin of their faces with their fingers from the angle of the mandible vertically upward toward the crown of the head. This maneuver is one they have repeated endless times in the mirror before presenting for consultation (Fig. 1). It is important to remember that there is no surgical procedure more elective than face-lift surgery. Consequently, cosmetic surgeons must continually strive to maximize results while minimizing complications and postoperative recovery. Patients’ wishes, as outlined earlier, may not always be shared by all cosmetic surgeons, many of whom often prefer a more aggressive surgical facial rejuvenation program. Recent reports of serious sequelae or even death associated with face-lift surgeries have patients questioning the value of aggressive face-lifts and lengthy anesthesia [1]. Sam Hamra [2] eloquently described the highly sophisticated, and technically challenging composite rhytidectomy in 1993, completing a trend toward more aggressive, lengthier multiplanar procedures. Perhaps not surprising, a con-