Face lifting: problems, solutions, and an outcome study.

The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) platysma rotation flap with platysmal transection from the deep surface has been the author's face-lift technique to correct jowls, submental laxity, and platysma bands since 1982. An outcome study of 10 consecutive face-lift operations is presented to demonstrate the efficacy of correction of lower face and neck aging and the duration of the improvement. Reappearance of platysma bands has been the earliest and most frequent sign of recurrent aging changes. A technique for directly dealing with platysma bands in the submental and cervicomental location is described, and follow-up results up to 3 years are shown.