Conservative face lift surgery.

Face lift surgery almost always is elective; and, because its purpose is to diminish aging problems, it most often is done in those who are aged. Local and general risks, therefore, should be minimized. Wide undermining dictates flaps dissected more deeply and wounds closed well short of the limits of stretch of skin. Less radical undermining described here produces much smaller total wounds, lessens hazards of hematoma, considerably shortens operative and anesthetic times, reduces risks to nerves and ducts, and allows snugger closures. Details of operative technique, including platysma plication, are demonstrated. Short- and long-term results are shown. They indicate improvement sufficient to justify expanded use of the suggested techniques, particularly in view of diminished morbidity and risks to the general condition of those in the older age group.