ABSTRACT
Introduction Aesthetic fecial surgery is intended to rejuvenate the cervicofacial contour. Recog
nizing the elements of an aging face and neck are a prerequisite to planning any proce dure. Common stigmata of facial aging include: ptotic malar pads, heavy nasolabial folds, nasojugal creases, marionette lines, jowls, geniomandibular grooving, cheek and neck skin laxity, platysmal banding, lateral orbital wrinkling, submental lipodystrophy and salivary gland ptosis. While all of these structures may be affected by the pull of gravity, repetitive contraction of the underlying muscle, and cellular/subcellular aging, each can be improved by facelifting techniques. Other problems such as forehead and glabellar lines, eyelid bulges and excess skin, fine facial wrinkles, lip atrophy, cheek fet atrophy, senile nasal dysmorphia cannot be corrected with a facelift. Since it is not possible to design a universal technique for all patients, facelifting must be preceded by a sound knowledge of the anatomy and a thorough understanding of the elements to be corrected. Careful planning and good technique are necessary to precisely remove redundant skin, resuspend or resea fat and repairing lax musculature and fascia.
