Extended superficial musculaponeurotic system dissection and composite rhytidectomy.

The composite facelift represents a comprehensive technique for facial rejuvenation with tissue repositioning of essentially every deep structure of the aging face, addressing the neck, lower face, mid face/lower eyelid junction, and forehead. The superior lateral vector of the lower face is "balanced" with a superior medial vector of the cheek and lower eyelid region. Patients who have stigmata of a previous facelift, such as the lateral sweep and hollow eyes, may be corrected with the composite facelift. The composite facelift is distinguished from all other facelift procedures in the unique "balance" of facelift vectors, yielding a natural and complete facial rejuvenation.