Techniques and new technology in plastic surgery

Regarding facelifts, over the years, techniques for facial lifting have gone from very simple to quite complicated. For instance, at first only face skin was elevated to expose the underlying tissue called the SMAS so it could be plicated (sutured together). Then the excess skin was removed under slight tension, thus, tightening both the deeper SMAS and skin.

Looking back, the results could be exceptionally good if performed properly. Then around the 1980’s plastic surgeons went through the decades with progressively more complicated techniques, such as the sub-SMAS (deep plane) techniques to even techniques that were literally on the bone, and everything more superficial was tightened.

I was a strong proponent of the latter only to give it up years later. Why? Because the results were no better or longer lasting and recovery time was longer.

As a matter of interest, I performed this technique in front of an audience in Moscow and at UCLA department of plastic surgery California, only to give it up later for less invasive surgery, which gave equivalent results and less recovery time. Sometimes more complicated is not better.

Regarding the latest technology in plastic surgery: face lift results can often be achieved without surgery in many cases with less expense and recovery time. This is providing the patient did not wait too long for facial rejuvenation, did not have a history of smoking, or had excessive sagging from environmental damage, such as excess sun exposure.

These older non-surgical techniques began with peels and lasers which had exceptionally long recoveries in many cases and occasional pigmentation problems.

With recent technology, engineering, and imagination, efforts have successfully resulted in improved cosmetic results, faster recovery, and less discomfort, with more affordability.

The energy sources in these devices create heat, such as lasers and radiofrequency (RF). When wondering why heat is so important, observe shrinkage of bacon in the frying pan, thus skin shrinkage and tightening will occur.

With aging, skin loses its elasticity, and fat diminishes in volume resulting in a sagging face, neck, arms, knees, and virtually all body parts.

The newest energy-producing lasers and RF devises tighten the skin, reduce wrinkles, and stimulate production of collagen and elastin adding more volume. This is with less discomfort, recovery time, and improved results.

Microneedling with RF is popular for mild improvement and no down-time. Add exosome growth factors and the improvement increases.

The most recent development in tightening skin and volumizing one’s face is the EveresseRF. The EveresseRF procedure takes less than 30 minutes, with little to no discomfort and zero recovery time. Results are elevated, tighter skin and increasing volume for a more youthful shaped face. Jawlines are straighter, cheeks are higher, brows are elevated. It does not alter the surface of the skin, but a Helix Cool Peel laser can achieve this if needed, and both can be performed simultaneously.

In conclusion, thanks to these new technologies, improved nonsurgical options are available; however, each potential patient must be carefully evaluated to determine which procedure or combination of procedures will achieve their goals.

Dr. Ronald Finger, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon with offices in Savannah and Bluffton. fingerandassociates.com