ABSTRACT
Introduction: Aging process is complex and involves several structures, from bone aspect to surface structures. First techniques consisted only on skin resection, with poor and stigmatized results. It was from Superficial Aponeurotic Muscle System (SMAS) description that facelift surgery gained momentum.
Objective: To demonstrate SMAS traction effectiveness in mandibular line definition and cervical-facial angle, using a wide dissection technique and fixation in mastoid region.
Method: 25 patients were operated from January 2017 to June 2018, by the same team using the same technique.
Results: To demonstrate mandible elevation and definition, a line was drawn from mandible angle to the chin and another line tangential to the jaw, forming an angle. In postoperative period we have a decrease or deletion of this angle.
Discussion: In the past, concern was skin pulling, but it was from SMAS discovery that there was a revolution in the concepts. Today it is known that aging process causes not only skin sagging, but also a face quadranization o, with the need for rotation and repositioning of deep structures, muscles and ligaments.
Conclusion: SMAS approach has become mandatory, today the discussion is which technique should be applied. We believe that a true treatment of deep structures requires traction, rotation and repositioning of SMAS - platysma and that this result depends on wide dissection of this structure.
Keywords: Face; Traction; Rhytidoplasty; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Aging.