Short or Minimum Incision Deep Plane/Extended Deep Plane Facelift/Rhytidectomy

Abstract

The mini facelift, often referred to as short scar or minimum incision facelift or rhytidectomy, is a facial rejuvenation procedure with limited incisions. It aims to lift and tighten the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system to restore the lower midface and the mandibular contour, thus eliminating undesirable jowls. By performing the deep plane or extended deep plane facelift with short incisions, the midface and upper neck can also be improved without the full face and neck incisions as in the typical rhytidectomy. With its decreased operative time and expense, rapid recovery, less complications, as well as more limited incisions with resultant less evidence of scars, mini facelift techniques have boomed over a decade for younger patients who seek facial rejuvenation. We describe our concept of the short or minimum incision deep plane/extended deep plane facelift or rhytidectomy and address what results can be expected.