While the field of cosmetic plastic surgery is relatively young, the facelift procedure has been around for over one hundred years. The first was performed in the early 1900s.
While the field of cosmetic plastic surgery is relatively young, the facelift procedure has been around for over one hundred years. The first was performed in the early 1900s. The first patient was a Polish aristocrat, on whom the surgeon achieved good results. That first era of facelift surgery was somewhat rudimentary. Techniques were good but not great. This was because those early surgical procedures focused only on the skin. At the time, surgeon’s were doing the best they could with what information they had. However, tightening the skin only resulted in the windblown look that many people fear they may get if they undergo a facelift today. Fortunately, facelift surgery has evolved as research has uncovered new information regarding facial anatomy.
The First Steps in a New Direction
Facelift surgery as a skin-tightening technique remained the only rejuvenation option for over 50 years. It wasn’t until the 1960s when doctors realized that there were layers of fat and muscle beneath the skin that were influential in facial aging. These layers were named the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, or SMAS. With this discovery of the SMAS came innovative new surgical techniques for more profound yet more natural-looking facelift treatment. Since the 1970s, facelift surgery has involved the layer of fat, muscle, and also the skin. With good surgical training, a surgeon could achieve beautiful results. No more windblown look.
Modern Day Facial Rejuvenation
Medicine has been in a state of constant evolution for the past several decades. Not only do we have better facelift techniques, but we also have additional ways of addressing the signs of aging that the traditional facelift does not. Many adults today never undergo a facelift. Instead, they may refresh their appearance through brow lift surgery or blepharoplasty to open up the eyes. They may restore youthful facial contours with cheek or lip augmentation that doesn’t involve surgery at all.
Perhaps what has become so exciting about facelift surgery and other forms of facial rejuvenation is that every treatment can be tailored to the individual as needed. To see how we can customize your facial rejuvenation treatment, contact Cleveland Plastic Surgery Institute at 440-459-0007.