Cure Lift S: The New Minimally-Invasive MINI FACELIFT PROCEDURE

The facelift is one of the signature procedures in plastic surgery, yet also one of the most controversial. The ability to take years off of one’s appearance is appealing, but there is a perception that the recovery is difficult and that it can result in a distorted, overly tight appearance. To support a safer and more effective outcome, medical advancements have been integral.

In response to this, plastic surgeons have developed techniques that result in a more natural appearance. These newer techniques have been around for decades and rely on moving deeper anatomic structures back to where they used to be rather than on pulling on the skin alone. This is based on the realization that a surgeon can pull on the skin as hard as they choose, but it can never create a more natural-appearing, more youthful appearance.

In the early 1970’s a facial layer known as the SMAS, a fibrofatty tissue that is closely associated with the facial muscles, was described. Surgeons soon learned that by tightening this layer, a more natural and long-lasting result could be obtained. There were several evolutions of SMAS lifting techniques, from limited SMAS plication to the highest evolution, the high SMAS lift. The latter involves the careful elevation of the SMAS with a division of the retaining ligaments that adhere it to the underlying bony structures. This is a difficult dissection with critical nerves and blood vessels nearby and is therefore a type of facelift that should only be attempted by the most skilled of facelift surgeons. The high SMAS lift requires additional expertise due to the close proximity of important anatomical structures. Surgeons performing these lifts must work meticulously to avoid damaging these structures. 

The effort is worth it as it results in the most complete mobilization and repositioning of the aging facial structures. Because it is so comprehensive, however, the recovery can be extensive. The Cure Lift S is Dr. Ben Lee’s personal evolution of the SMAS facelift, one that combines his experience performing the high SMAS technique and the lateral SMASectomy, two of the more popular advanced techniques. It is a limited incision facelift that requires less dissection than the high SMAS lift, yet allows more lifting along the jawline. This approach provides a full rejuvenation effect by utilizing the best resources and techniques available.

As the mini facelift incisions are minimal, there is less dissection of the SMAS. As a result, there is theoretically less bleeding, and therefore less bruising and swelling. This usually results in less healing time than the traditional facelift, making it a favorable option in terms of recovery time. The procedure can be performed at our office under general anesthesia or better yet, with IV sedation and local anesthesia. Patients can often be presentable in public in 7-10 days.