The natural process of aging, along with gravity, can pull the skin downwards, giving a loosened appearance, particularly on the lower two-thirds of the face and neck. The S-lift can correct this appearance and reduce skin folds. For men, the procedure can restore a stronger, defined face and neck contour. For women, it can restore a slender, feminine and elegant appearance to the neck.

The S-lift combines face and neck lifts to address:

• A jawline that has become slack, lax and jowly

• Excess folds and fat deposits around the chin and neck

• Wrinkles around the forehead (and frown lines between the eyes when performed in conjunction with a forehead/brow lift)

The S-lift procedure (also known as the "minimal incision facelift" or "minimally invasive facelift") involves only one short incision that extends in a line above the ear. The incision is hidden inside the crease of the ear and continues behind the ear. The hairline is untouched. A small incision may also be made under the chin.

The skin is separated from the fat and muscle. Liposuction removes fatty tissue and resculpts the neck and jawline. The Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) technique is used to tighten the underlying neck muscles. Excess skin is expertly removed and pulled back to alter facial lines and enhance symmetry. The SMAS technique achieves a more refined slender contour without altering the natural expression of the face.

Scars are hidden by the hair or in the natural creases of the face and ears. The hairline remains untouched, allowing patients to wear their hair short or pulled back. Scarring from the hidden incisions will eventually fade.

This highly advanced technique yields a more youthful, natural looking, contoured appearance to the face and neck and an overall rested and refreshed facial appearance.

Tissue Glue Technique

A breakthrough in facial rejuvenation is the tissue glue technique, used with various facelift procedures.

This approach uses a high-tech, medically designed, liquid tissue sealant developed specifically for bonding tissue. This highly innovative, specialized material is applied along an incision, resulting in minimal discomfort and less bruising and swelling than when sutures are used. The glue eventually dissolves. Recovery time is cut in half and results last longer.