Elimination of the retorauricular incision in face lifts.

Abstract

Traditional face lift techniques have several disadvantages, including lengthy operating time, prolonged recovery, and a retroauricular incision that can lead to complications. The author reports on use of the S-lift technique to eliminate the retroauricular incision and produce longlasting, aesthetically pleasing results. An S-shaped incision was made starting just behind the earlobe and terminating horizontally in the temporal hair-bearing area. Skin, platysma, and SMAS dissection were performed, with the extent of dissection depending on the preference of the surgeon. In most cases, lipoplasty of the submental area, neck, and jowls was also performed. The undermined skin was excised in an S-shape starting behind the earlobe. The first key suture was placed at the most inferior point of the lobule, with traction sutures placed at the inferior edge of the tragus and the upper part of the S-angle at the sideburn. The procedure enable elimination of the retroauricular scar, a shorter operating time and recovery period, and produced good long-term results. Its main disadvantage is the lack of improvement in the lateral neck area over the sternocleidomastoid muscle, where the skin is undissected. The S-lift enables excellent long-term results in the face and neck in most patients. In patients with very flaccid necks that require extensive neck undermining, the traditional face lift methods may be preferable.