Facelift and Neck Lift — SMAS, Deep Plane, High SMAS, and Neck Rejuvenation

This episode reviews the core principles of facelift and neck lift surgery, focusing on facial aging, SMAS anatomy, retaining ligaments, facelift techniques, and neck rejuvenation. Topics include the five-layer facial anatomy, retaining ligaments, facial nerve danger zones, McKinney’s point, hematoma prevention, skin quality, smoking, and the evolution from skin-only facelifts to SMAS plication, SMASectomy, MACS lift, Deep Plane, Extended SMAS, High SMAS, and Composite facelift techniques. The episode also reviews Ellenbogen’s criteria for the youthful neck, platysmaplasty, corset platysmaplasty, subplatysmal fat, digastric contouring, submandibular gland reduction, secondary facelifts, and the future role of skeletal augmentation in facial rejuvenation. Part of Dr. Lara’s Plastic Surgery Compendium — a high-yield audio reference for plastic surgery trainees and surgeons.DisclaimerThis podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is designed for medical students, residents, fellows, and practicing healthcare professionals. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for any individual patient. The content presented reflects general surgical principles and should not be used as a substitute for formal medical training, clinical judgment, or consultation with qualified healthcare professionals. Listening to this podcast does not establish a physician–patient relationship.SEO / Topic Keywordsfacelift, rhytidectomy, neck lift, cervicoplasty, platysmaplasty, SMAS, SMAS plication, SMASectomy, MACS lift, deep plane facelift, extended SMAS facelift, high SMAS facelift, composite facelift, retaining ligaments, facial aging, facial nerve, temporal branch facial nerve, greater auricular nerve, McKinney point, facelift hematoma, smoking facelift, facelift complications, Ellenbogen criteria, corset platysmaplasty, subplatysmal fat, digastric muscle contouring, submandibular gland reduction, cervicomental angle, secondary facelift, facial skeletal aging, facial rejuvenation