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There has been a traditional stigma associated with facelifts. Patients rightly have a natural aversion to a tight, pulled or unusual looking facelift result. “We have all seen some very

unnatural looking results in even some of the most famous celebri-ties,” said Yadro Ducic, M.D., FACS.

“The goal of facelift surgery should be to reverse some of the signs of aging,” he continued. “When there is sagging of jowls, flattening of cheeks and neck laxity, that all can be helped by this surgery. Our

goal is to improve but not erase these signs of aging. When we try to erase them is when we are left with a very ‘done’ look.” The goal of plastic surgery should be to look fresher, more youthful, better rested. Some laxity is not only fine, it is desirable.

Dr. Ducic explained the various types of facelifting techniques available. “ The basic distinction has to do with the extent of dissection and the depth of dissection. In general terms, the more extensive and deeper the dissection, the more natural, longer-lasting

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Dr. Yadro Ducic Dr Ducic is the medical director of the center for Aesthetic Surgery in Colleyville, Texas. He is actively involved in training residents and fellows in Facial Plastic Surgery and is a clinical professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He has authored over one hundred publications. He is certified in both Facial Plastic Surgery and in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

817-503-2442 | DrDucic.com

the result. These more extensive dissection techniques are also asso-ciated with more down time.” So called “mini-lifts” involve simple skin repositioning in a limited fashion. This is useful in patients that have only small amounts of sagging and are thin. Downtime is minimal; results are generally not as long lasting. Deep plane face-lifts are generally recommended for patients with more significant signs of aging. “Here, recovery may take two to three weeks,” he said. The results tend to be much more natural and long-lasting.

Adjunctive techniques should always be considered in facelift patients. Fat grafting in the central face, liposuction of the neck and lip lift/augmentation procedures are often complementary to standard facelift techniques and can have dramatic effects when combined.

Dr. Ducic has authored articles on facelifting and midface lifting techniques and would welcome the opportunity to help you evaluate which technique is best suited for you.

Midface Lifts Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology-Head and

Neck Surgery Cosmetic Surgery Issue September 2007:18(3):217-232 R. DeFatta, Y. Ducic

Liposuction of the Face and Neck Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology-Head and

Neck Surgery Cosmetic Surgery Issue September 2007:18(3):261-266 R. DeFatta, Y. Ducic

A Graded Approach to the Achievement of Natural Appearing, Aesthetically Pleasing Results in Facelift Patients F.A.C.E. June 2000:6(4):219-227 Y. Ducic, P.A. Hilger