Total Face Rejuvenation: Simultaneous 3-Plane Surgical Approach Combined with Ablative Laser Resurfacing

Abstract

Introduction:Among the public, the gold standard in facial rejuvenation surgery is often thought of as face-lift surgery or rhytidectomy; however, a lifting and tightening procedure more optimally treats the jawline and neck by smoothing the jowls and addressing the submental waddle. In the middle third of the face, a lifting or tightening procedure may result in widening and flattening of the mid-face, producing an unnatural, pulled appearance. Volume restoration in the mid-face region often creates a more natural-appearing rejuvenation by reversing the deflation of the facial middle third that has occurred over time. While rhytidectomy and volume restoration create excellent results, the aging of the facial skin through extrinsic factors such as sun exposure or tobacco use remains untreated. Consequently, for a more complete facial rejuvenation, ablative laser resurfacing may be added to address fine facial lines and pigment irregularities to smooth the overlying skin texture. More complete facial rejuv...