Smartlift and More

If you are noticing the formation of “jowls,” folds and wrinkles in your neck, and fat deposits beneath your chin as you age, you may be a candidate for a face lift. My Smartlift is a lower face lift that addresses these problems. However, many people are not aware that a face lift cannot address the signs of aging in the upper face. When I consult with my patients they often ask me what procedures will remove the bags under their eyes, crow’s feet, and furrows above the nose. It is true that the face lift is the cornerstone of surgical facial rejuvenation, but a face lift will not address the upper face.

In many cases, a face lift can be combined with an eyelift or eyebrow lift, or both. When this is done, the effect achieved is one of complete, harmonious facial rejuvenation. Let me explain what each procedure accomplishes.

The face lift addresses the lower face. During this procedure very small incisions are made behind the ears and after the skin is lifted outward, the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System, the anatomical layer of supporting deep tissue beneath the skin) below is repositioned and the tissues tightened and remodeled. Excess fat and skin is also removed. Consequently, the face lift removes fat deposits beneath the chin, smoothes out folds and wrinkles of the neck, and pulls up hanging jowls that can hide the natural jaw line as well as the so called “marionette lines,” the folds on either side of the mouth down to the chin. Notice this list says nothing about your eyes and brows. In fact, if you have low, heavy brows or drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags below your eyes, a lower face lift may make these appear more obvious, accentuating these problems.

The blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) removes fat deposits and excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids. The surgery can correct drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags below your eyes and sagging upper eyelids. But if you have a low, heavy brow, furrows above the nose and horizontal forehead lines, you may want a brow lift.

In the above scenario, I would suggest that eyelid surgery and/or a brow lift be performed at the same time as your face lift. Here is the logic in that. First of all, to get the most harmonious result it is often best to have two procedures combined, and secondly, by having the two, or even three procedures at once, you save money on the costs of anesthesia. Finally, and this may be very important depending upon your lifestyle. It is always important to take into consideration the recovery time involved. Having multiple procedures at once will reduce overall down time, but may require more downtime immediately. In our consultation at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center,, we will discuss your individual needs, lifestyle, and medical history to be sure to achieve the total and natural looking facial rejuvenation results that you want.

Feel free to call Melinda at the front desk for your consultation with me. 501-277-0707