Less Invasive Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System Approaches in Rhytidectomy: How, When, and Why.

As a facial plastic surgeon gains experience, further improvements can be gained with more aggressive surgery, but complications begin to occur when more aggressive measures are undertaken. Therefore, the ideal technique is one that maximizes rejuvenation while minimizing adverse effects. The senior author has found that the aggressive techniques in the region of the neck have improved dramatically the overall initial and long-term results for the neck portion of the rhytidectomy. More aggressive treatment of the midface during the modified deep plane rhytidectomy does not necessarily improve the overall long-term results, however, and can increase the complication rate.