The S-Lift Procedure (SAFE™)
Most people considering a facelift to improve their sagging and tired appearance, are not prepared to spend a long period of time recovering from surgery. Aggressive facelifts are becoming less popular as they carry an increased risk of facial nerve injury and often long periods of recovery. Some of the conventional facelifts produce an unnatural pulled appearance ("wind tunnel"), ear distortion, elevation of side burns and visible scars. Every surgical procedure carries some inherant risk, but less intervention is likely to be safer and the recovery time shorter. The general trend toward less invasive surgery led Dr Zurek to apply this concept to facelifting procedures. He learned the technique of S-Lift from the originator of the procedure, Dr P Ansari. In 1998 Dr Zurek performed the first S-Lift procedure in Australia and has subsequently developed his specific modification, which he called SAFE™. (S-Access Facial Elevation)™
The SAFE™ procedure
The "S" relates to the shape of the incision, if you put your index finger into your hair line above the ear, about 2-3cm, this marks the beginning of the incision. It then descends down in front of the ear, past the notch on the ear (tragus) and neatly curls back behind the ear lobe for 1-3 cms, completing the S shaped curve.
This incision allows access to the underlying fibromuscular structure (SMAS); which is lifted as a unit, together with attached skin and soft tissue. The vector of lifting is vertical which results in a natural appearance, as opposed to conventional techniques of lifting where the final result often looked as if you had been caught in a wind tunnel, due to more horizontal traction on the skin. Following the manoever of lifting, the redundant skin in front of the ear is removed and the wound is repaired without any tension, which is expected to result in an imperceptible scar.
Is it for me?
The SAFE procedure addresses the sagging skin around the jaw (jowls) and the loose skin on the neck and to a certain degree even the mid face. To further improve the mid-face, often volume replacement is required (see Fat Transfer).
Liposculpture of the neck may also be required to reduce the fat accumulation under the chin and promote skin contraction and redistribution. SAFE™ procedure will not improve loose skin around the eyes (see Blepharoplasty) or the area around the mouth (see peri oral rejuvenation).
One can easily assess the degree of skin laxity (looseness), by simply pinching and pulling the cheeks to the sides of your face and observing the effect in the mirror. A moderate to severe amount of laxity will benefit from the SAFE™ procedure by tightening the facial skin. If there is only a mild degree of laxity one can consider the AGE Filaments™ which can support and elevate the loose tissue of the lower face. In this situation, fat transfer to the face to restore diminished facial volumes. Often the combination of the SAFE™ and Fat Transfer will give optimal results.
Surgery does not address the texture, pigment marks and heavily sun damaged skins. To improve those concerns skin resurfacing by Chemical Peel, Dermabrasion, Laser or IPL would be necessary.
It is important to note that fat grafting not only restores facial volume but will definitely improve skin quality. It has been proven by scientific studies and clinical experience that fat graft improves the texture, suppleness and colour of the skin as well as improving scars.
The Procedure
The SAFE™ procedure is performed in the clinic under local anaesthetic. Sedation is given and most people sleep comfortably through the whole procedure; which takes approximately 3 hours to complete.
After a brief period of observation you will be able to return home or stay at a local hotel overnight. You will be given medication for pain relief and sleeping if required, to take with you. A dressing will cover the wound and you will be required to wear a special support sling which fastens with velcro on top of the head and at the back of the neck. This needs to be worn every day for the first week.
It is recommended to wear a large headscarf or hooded jacket to cover the sling.
You will need to attend the clinic the next day to inspect the wound and change the dressing. You may have a shower (lukewarm) on the first day and wash your hair on the third day. A bath is NOT allowed for 2 weeks.
Stitches need to be removed 7 days after surgery. (Interstate patients can have them removed by their local Doctor or Nurse).
Most patients return to work approximately 10-14 days after the SAFE™ procedure. However the healing process will continue for a few weeks beyond that, when the final results are seen.
The option of additional procedures can be combined with the SAFE™ eg blepharoplasty, lip lift, brow lift, fat grafting, ear correction, chin correction (see other procedures listed).
Summary of SAFE™
- Performed under local anaesthetic and sedation
- A natural appearance
- Brief downtime
- Incision line imperceptible
- Minimal risk of complications
- CLICK here for history of S-Lift
Before and After Images
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Before and after S-Lift, submental liposculpture and mole removal only by Dr Zurek |
Read Articles about Advanced S-Lift
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Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #53 - Less Invasive Facelifting |
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Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #37 - Short Access Facial Elevation |
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Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #29 - Short Access Facial Elevation |
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Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #27 - Facial Rejuvenation |
