Triple-Anchoring Sub-SMAS Face-lift

This article presents the senior author's (ARB) 10-year experience with a rhytidectomy technique that incorporates concepts of modern facial shaping and contour using a sub-SMAS repositioning of volumetric units with partial sub-SMAS elevation (tunnel dissection), periosteal anchoring of SMAS and volumetric units, and limited skin undermining. The cases of triple-anchoring sub-SMAS face-lift performed from January 2000 to January 2010 were analyzed retrospectively. Primary and secondary cases were included. All case data and photography were analyzed. Data regarding patient age, sex, and operative time were gathered. Complication rates were also calculated. A total of 626 patients had a face-lift using the author's technique in this period. A total of 484 patients had a primary face-lift and 142 had secondary surgery. Experience with 626 rhytidectomies performed over a 10-year period indicates that this operation can be completed safely with satisfactory results and a low incidence of complications. To alter effectively the facial contour, a system that reliably elevates the facial volumetric units is needed. After adequate release of the retaining ligaments, the thick SMAS is used as a load-bearing layer. All the tension is transferred from the SMAS to a fixed periosteal anchor point. Each volumetric unit of the face (mala, lateral, and cervical) should be independently mobilized and fixed. The author's technique was shown to be effective in repositioning facial volumes. It was a predictable and reliable technique with few complications over the years.