The concept of safer face-lifting

Face-lifting is now a common aesthetic procedure, performed mainly by plastic surgeons but increasingly also by ENT surgeons, oral surgeons, general surgeons and dermatologists. The level of expertise is dependent on training and exposure to patients, in addition to basic surgical skills. With cosmetic surgery clients, a holistic approach to patients is becoming increasingly important and, with increasing demands from the Care Standards Committee, there should be less demand for part-time aesthetic surgeons. This paper describes the working practice and thought processes of a single surgeon, based on 14 years of a busy aesthetic surgery practice. There are numerous types of face-lift described in the literature but, in practical terms, the simplest technique often gives the best result, with little risk of morbidity. Undoubtedly, some clients need an aggressive approach but, in most cases, the vertical pull mini-face-lift gives consistently good results in cases that are carefully assessed preoperatively and managed by skilled aesthetic/plastic nurses in the postoperative period. This paper is unique in its holistic approach to assessment, technique and aftercare. It is designed for the sensible surgeon, looking for a low-risk technique that reaps professional satisfaction and a happy client base. The more complex face-lift should be referred to recognized specialists in the field.