The S-lift: Less Is More

Abstract

Ziya Saylan, MD, Dusseldorf, Germany The typical superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) face lift of today involves extensive undermining of facial skin, a potentially lengthy healing time, and risk of complications. The newly repopularized S-lift technique, originally developed in the 1960s, is a more conservative procedure that carries fewer risks of complications. Ideal for both beginning and experienced surgeons who desire natural-looking results with minimal recovery time, the S-lift technique consists of a skin excision at the midface and a modified SMAS plication. A smaller excision of skin (Figure 1) and a new suspension technique developed by the author can lead to results similar or even superior to those associated with the traditional face lift in the lower face and neck. The S-lift technique offers many advantages, including a short duration of surgery, a rapid recovery period, more natural results, minimal scarring and hair loss behind the ears and temporal region (Figure 2), and less danger of facial nerve injury. Figure 1 Undemining of the skin during various face lifts. A , skin lift. B , S-lift. C , Face lift with extensive undermining. Figure 2 An S-formed area of skin is excised. The scar that results from this surgery is acceptable. Although the S-lift is ideally suited for the younger patient with early laxity of the lower face, it can be used in secondary face lifts and in older patients with lower-face laxity. One hundred fifty to 250 mL of tumescent solution is …