The Facelift: The Art of Restoring Youth with Precision
The facelift is one of the most sought-after plastic surgeries for those who wish to combat the signs of aging, such as facial sagging, deep wrinkles, and loss of contour. However, it is not simply about "pulling" the skin; a well-performed facelift requires advanced technique to achieve natural and long-lasting results. Among the recognized specialists in this field is Dr. Eduardo Lintz, a renowned plastic surgeon practicing in Campinas and Sao Paulo. With extensive experience and dedication to technical excellence, he stands out for performing two main types of facelift: High SMAS and Deep Plane.
Each of these techniques has unique characteristics, suited for different patient needs and expectations. We will explore these approaches in detail, explaining their differences, benefits, techniques used, and expected results. By understanding each method, you will gain a better appreciation of how Dr. Eduardo Lintz transforms faces and lives through this highly personalized and sophisticated procedure.
Why Choose a Facelift?
Before delving into the specific techniques, it is important to understand why the facelift is so popular and effective in combating facial aging. Over the years, the skin loses collagen and elastin, resulting in sagging, wrinkles, and expression lines. The musculature and subcutaneous tissue also begin to give way, leading to loss of facial definition and the appearance of jowls or deep folds. Additionally, there is a loss of volume in the facial fat compartments, causing a loss of tissue support.
The facelift goes beyond superficial treatments, such as creams or minimally invasive procedures. It restructures the deeper layers of the face, repositioning muscles, fat, and skin to create a harmonious, natural, and rejuvenated result. Dr. Eduardo Lintz employs the most advanced techniques, with safety, precision, and satisfaction. Let us now explore the two main approaches he performs: the High SMAS facelift and the Deep Plane facelift.
What Is the High SMAS Facelift?
The High SMAS facelift (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) is an advanced technique that focuses on lifting and repositioning the deep muscular and connective tissue layers of the face. Unlike traditional facelifts, which often merely pull the skin superficially, the High SMAS addresses the underlying structures, providing more long-lasting and natural results.
This technique is especially indicated for patients who present:
Moderate to severe sagging of the cheeks and jawline;
Loss of facial contour definition;
Deep folds, such as the nasolabial folds (between the nose and mouth);
Excess skin in the neck and submental region (below the chin).
How Does the Technique Work?
During the High SMAS facelift, Dr. Eduardo Lintz performs a meticulous approach, divided into several stages:
Discreet Incisions: The incisions are made strategically along the natural hairline and behind the ears, ensuring imperceptible scars after healing.
Access to the Deep Layers: After separating the skin, the surgeon accesses the SMAS, a fibromuscular layer that supports the facial tissues. This layer is extremely important, as it is responsible for the structure and firmness of the face.
Lifting and Fixation: The SMAS is repositioned to a higher plane and secured with special sutures, creating a natural lifting effect. This process redefines the facial contour and smooths deep wrinkles.
Neck Contouring: In many cases, Dr. Eduardo Lintz also performs adjustments to the neck, removing excess skin and submental fat to eliminate the appearance of jowls.
Completion: After all adjustments, the skin is carefully repositioned over the new structure, without excessive tension, ensuring a natural and symmetrical result.
Benefits of the High SMAS Facelift
The High SMAS facelift offers numerous benefits, especially for those seeking long-lasting and natural results:
Long-Lasting Results: By working on the deep layers of the face, the High SMAS ensures results that remain visible for up to 10 to 15 years, depending on genetics and care with diet, sun protection, and skincare.
Natural Appearance: The technique avoids the "pulled" or artificial look, preserving natural facial expressions.
Multiple Benefits: In addition to rejuvenating the face, the High SMAS facelift also improves neck definition and eliminates signs of aging in the submental region.
Versatility: The SMAS can be treated in several ways: tissue removal in cases of excess, slimming the face; superior repositioning, filling the temporal region; or folding the SMAS upon itself, increasing volume in the malar region.
It can be combined with other procedures, such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or rhinoplasty, for even more comprehensive results.
Recovery and Postoperative Care
After the High SMAS facelift, it is normal to experience edema (swelling), hematomas, or ecchymoses (bruising), and mild discomfort during the first few days. Dr. Eduardo Lintz provides detailed guidance to ensure a smooth recovery, including:
Use of compression bandages for facial support;
Avoiding strenuous physical activities for 4 to 6 weeks;
Keeping the head elevated during sleep;
Following recommendations on wound cleansing and scar care.
Final results begin to appear after 3 months, but the face continues to adapt and refine for up to 12 months.
What Is the Deep Plane Facelift?
The Deep Plane facelift is a sophisticated technique like the High SMAS, and is considered one of the most advanced approaches in facial plastic surgery. While the High SMAS works at the superficial level of the SMAS, the Deep Plane involves lifting the facial structures at a much deeper plane, close to the retaining ligaments that anchor the facial tissues.
This technique is ideal for patients seeking more dramatic and refined results, especially in the nasolabial fold area (the crease between the mouth and cheek):
Severe sagging of the cheeks and jawline;
Significant loss of facial volume;
Deep wrinkles and pronounced expression lines;
Need for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
How Does the Technique Work?
The Deep Plane facelift follows different principles from conventional techniques, prioritizing the mobilization of the deeper facial structures. The steps include:
Surgical Access: The incisions are similar to those of the High SMAS but allow even deeper access to the facial layers.
Deep Plane Elevation: The surgeon mobilizes the facial structures in a deep plane, releasing the ligaments that tether the tissues to the bony foundation. This process allows for more precise repositioning of the cheeks and jawline.
Volume Redistribution: One of the hallmark features of the Deep Plane is its ability to redistribute facial volume, especially in the cheekbones, creating a comprehensive rejuvenation effect.
Neck Treatment: As with the High SMAS, Dr. Eduardo Lintz performs adjustments to the neck to eliminate excess skin and fat, ensuring an elegant contour.
Completion: After the adjustments, the skin is repositioned naturally, resulting in a face that appears younger without losing its individuality.
In patients with a very thin SMAS, an intraoperative finding, the Deep Plane may be contraindicated. The same applies to patients with excess filler materials, threads, and similar products in the face.
Benefits of the Deep Plane Facelift
The Deep Plane facelift offers unique advantages for patients seeking exceptional results:
Dramatic Results: The technique is capable of correcting severe sagging and restoring facial definition in a remarkable way.
Extended Longevity: Due to its depth, the results of the Deep Plane, depending on genetics and patient care, tend to be long-lasting.
Exceptional Natural Appearance: Despite its complexity, the final result aims for facial harmony.
Preservation of Expressions: The technique respects the facial anatomy, preserving natural expressions and avoiding the "operated" look.
Recovery and Postoperative Care
Recovery from the Deep Plane facelift is similar to that of the High SMAS, although it may require a bit more patience due to the depth of the procedure. Dr. Eduardo Lintz recommends:
Avoiding intense facial movements for at least 4 weeks;
Undergoing lymphatic drainage massage as directed;
Avoiding direct sun exposure during the first few months.
Results begin to become evident after 3 months, with final refinements after 12 months.
Comparison: Which Technique Is Best for You?
The choice between the High SMAS facelift and the Deep Plane facelift depends on several factors, including:
Case complexity: The Deep Plane is better suited for severe cases of sagging, while the High SMAS may be sufficient for moderate corrections.
Patient expectations: If the goal is comprehensive and dramatic rejuvenation, the Deep Plane is preferred. For more natural and subtle results, the High SMAS may be ideal.
Recovery time: Both techniques require patience, with postoperative care and lymphatic drainage massage.
Personal preferences: Some patients prefer the reliability and versatility of the High SMAS, while others value the sophistication and refinement of the Deep Plane.
What matters most is the surgeon's experience in recommending the best technique.
Dr. Eduardo Lintz conducts a thorough consultation before any procedure, assessing your individual needs and helping you decide which technique is most appropriate for you.
Transforming Faces and Lives
A facelift is much more than a plastic surgery procedure; it is a journey of self-esteem and confidence. With his expertise in advanced techniques, such as the High SMAS and Deep Plane facelifts, Dr. Eduardo Lintz transforms faces and lives, delivering natural and long-lasting results. Whatever your need or desire, he is prepared to guide you every step of the way.
Are you ready for this new change? Call now and schedule an appointment!
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover how a facelift can transform your face -- and your life. With Dr. Eduardo Lintz, you are in safe and skilled hands.
