Use of the fascial plane system in the facelift operation.

The shifting of skin and superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS) fascia in the facelift procedure represents an important development in the improvement of the lax and sagging skin of the face and neck. The pathology of aging skin is reviewed, the anatomy of the SMAS fascia is described, and the use of SMAS fascia in surgery along with attendant potential hazards are discussed.