Step 6: Improving Jaw Definition

Fine, dissolvable sutures are used to sew the edges of the SMAS together (plication) after the ellipse is removed (SMASectomy). This plication is performed directly above the nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and jowls achieving a perpendicular pull on these areas. With this maneuver, the lines and folds of the lower face are softened and jaw line definition is improved. Additionally, sutures are placed at the edge of the platysma muscle in order to pull on the underlying tissues of the neck.

Mini-facelift compared to traditional facelift:

In a traditional Colorado facelift surgery, a significantly more extensive separation of skin and underlying tissues is performed. Thus, when the SMAS is tightened, there is less of a direct effect on the areas of desired improvement (i.e. jowls) because the SMAS is no longer attached to the skin in these regions. The increased invasiveness can actually diminish the effectiveness of SMAS tightening.

To learn more about Denver facelift surgery, 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.