Step 3: Creating a Pocket

Once the incision is made, a pocket is created by releasing the skin from the underlying tissues. This release is performed to a distance near the nasolabial folds, jowls, marionette lines, as well as into the neck. This step allows exposure of the underlying tissues so they may be tightened to enhance the lift. This detachment allows for the elevation of the skin as a separate layer towards the end of the procedure.

Mini-facelift compared to traditional facelift:

Traditional Denver facelift surgery separates the skin throughout a much larger area of the face and neck. By using a additional incision beneath the chin, the pocket is connected from one side of the face to the other. Generally, skin separation is also performed over the jowls as well. This further separation and enlargement of the pocket increases the invasiveness of the operation which can increase swelling, recovery, and risks of surgery. During a mini-facelift, the pocket is created just large enough to allow for optimal tightening of the underlying tissues and excess skin removal, but no further. The mini-facelift technique intentionally leaves the skin attached to the deeper tissues of the jowls and central neck for reasons discussed with later illustrations.

To learn more about face lift in Denver, be sure to check out all the resources on our site and when you're ready, request your free appointment with Dr. Vath or Dr. Wolfe at The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Cherry Creek or in Golden.