Question:
How is “tension” implemented in the hairline to maintain the facelift and is this always done?
Answer:
The lift and subsequent rejuvenation of the face in a facelift is achieved not by placing tension on the skin of the face, but, by elevating and suspending the layer of tissue beneath the skin known as the SMAS. The SMAS layer of tissue beneath the skin is a strong connective tissue layer that is used in facelift surgery to elevate and reposition the facial soft tissues. The SMAS tissue layer is then suspended to even deeper tissue layers with permanent sutures to maintain the position of the facelift and the skin of the face is simply re draped over the newly positioned facial soft tissue without any tension. In the temporal hairline the SMAS is suspended to the tissue over the bone of the cheek. It is extremely strong tissue and provides tremendous support to the longevity of the facelift.
Posted by Dr. Philip Schoenfeld