MELOPLASTY (FACELIFT) & RHYTIDECTOMY (NECK LIFT) SURGERY
This procedure is ideal for women in their 50s to 70s, seeking maximum correction — focusing on both the face and neck. Based on modern meloplasty (facelift) techniques of elevating and tightening the underlying SMAS, with minimal tension on the overlying skin, allowing us to achieve optimal results.
A full meloplasty (facelift) and rhytidectomy (neck lift) begins with an incision within the temporal hair and extends along the natural contours of the ear and into the posterior hairline. A separate small incision is frequently made under the chin. Once the incisions are made, the skin and superficial fat is separated from the underlying SMAS and the neck platysma muscles.
The neck is lifted first, by suturing the platysma muscle together in the midline and then lifting the sides of the platysma muscle back to its natural position, recreating a youthful neck sling (platysmaplasty). Next, the SMAS is elevated by a high SMAS technique and the excess skin of the face and neck is trimmed and redraped under no tension to give the finest scar possible.
An integral component of modern facelift surgery is the combination of fat grafting or facial implants to give a volumetric meloplasty (facelift), restoring loose volume associated with facial ageing. This creates volume to your cheeks, lips, under eye areas, or anywhere else that require extra volume.
MINI (SHORT-SCAR) MELOPLASTY (FACELIFT)
Ideal for women who are in their 40s with early signs of facial ageing and minimal need for adjustment of the neck region. A short-scar facelift or S-Lift surgery uses a smaller incision, located in front of the ear and temporal hairline only. While a traditional facelift is still the most effective option for lifting and smoothing ageing skin, a short scar procedure provides optimal result for younger patients.
A short scar meloplasty (facelift) begins with an incision made at your temporal hairline and extended along the natural contour of your ear. Once these incisions are made, the skin and superficial fat is carefully separated from the underlying SMAS. Next, the SMAS is tightened by a SMAS plication technique and a small amount of the overlying cheek excess skin removed. You will have minimal visible scars, so you can still wear your hair ‘up’ after healing.
As with the traditional meloplasty (facelift) surgery, a mini meloplasty (facelift) often combines fat grafting to give a volumetric meloplasty (facelift) to enhance the contours of the cheeks and jowls. To address minor excess fat under the jawline (submental fat), we frequently add neck liposuction with a short-scar meloplasty (facelift).
MID-MELOPLASTY (FACE LIFT)
As you age, your cheeks lose volume and the lower eyelid becomes more elongated with prominent bulges. For some women with less prominent cheekbones, this may occur when they are in their 20s to 30s before other elements of facial ageing have occurred.
A mid-meloplasty (facelift) targets your lower eyelid, cheek (malar) and corner of your mouth. It is an option for younger patients, looking to prevent premature facial ageing and desire a fuller cheek prominence.
A mid-meloplasty (facelift) or concentric malar lift begins with an incision along the lower eyelid lash line extending into a lower eyelid crease (crow’s feet line). We often use a combination of cheek implants and fat grafting to improve the midface contours. This procedure has been specifically designed to keep scars minimal and help reduce potential complications.
RHYTIDECTOMY (NECK LIFT)
Improving some of the most visible signs of ageing, a rhytidectomy (neck lift) will not only remove excess fat, but also tighten loose, wrinkled skin to improve the neck and jawline. This procedure is rarely performed alone and is generally performed with a meloplasty (facelift) as part of a comprehensive focus of the face and neck.
A rhytidectomy (neck lift) procedure begins with a small incision made under your chin and another in front and behind your ears. Once the incisions are made, the skin is separated from the underlying neck muscle (platysma) and any excess fatty tissue is removed directly or with liposuction. The neck muscle is repaired and suspended back to its original youthful position. This lifting and tightening of the neck muscle adjusts shape and function to support the neck skin tautly.
In those with a weak or receded chin, a chin implant can be placed to improve the chin projection to enhance facial symmetry and create a stronger jawline. After adjusting the look of your neck, the skin is then draped back over the new neck contour. Any excess skin is then removed and the area is closed with minimal tension, leaving a small, fine scar.