the skin loses natural elasticity. At the same time, the muscles and supporting connective tissues are losing firmness. These factors lead to aesthetical deterioration of the appearance of the face, such as wrinkles and folds and relaxed (drooping) skin, all the classic signs of aging. Today there are multiple possibilities of treatment and correction for every individual situation. It is possible to slow down even reverse the ageing process to a certain degree. While modern skin dermatology and laser skin treatments mainly help to prevent early aging of the skin by smoothing it and eventually removing fine wrinkles, a surgical face lift is still the most dramatic and long-lasting method of permanent facial rejuvenation. 

Many different extensions are possible, depending on the individual situation and requirement.  When only one specific area of the face is tightened and corrected, then the specialist calls it a local/partial face lift or correction.  For a minimally invasive face lift (rather than the classical face lift), the specialist uses an endoscopy. It is possible to tighten just the skin layer (Soft Lift) or to also include the supporting connective tissues and muscles behind the skin as is done with the SMAS Face Lift or the Platysma Lift on the Neck, or a combination of both of them, called the complete SMAS Face and Neck Lift. A series of criteria is taken in consideration by the experienced specialist during the consultation. Before making any diagnosis, the specialist will determine the elasticity of the skin and the degree of ageing of each area of the face. Then an individualized plan of aging correction and facial rejuvenation is made. 

of the younger patient are mainly in the upper area of the face, where wrinkles on the forehead, expression wrinkles on the glabella, and drooping eyelids frequently appear as early signs of aging. Therefore one of the most frequently performed procedures for younger patients is the endoscopic or classic Forehead Lift with glabella, eventually including the blepharoplasty (eyelid lift). 

The problem areas of the older patient usually extend over all areas of the face, especially over the cheeks, jaw and neck area. Here the SMAS mid face lift with neck lift, or the complete SMAS Face and Neck Lift lead to the best results.

Experienced surgeons tend increasingly to apply the complete Face and Neck Lift in SMAS Method since the SMAS method emphasizes a natural result. The specialist may then regulate skin tightening from area to area, and remove the exact portion of excessive skin in each single area from the forehead to the cheeks and the neck. The skin removed can vary from 1mm in one area to 1cm in another area, depending on the degree of skin laxity. With this procedure the plastic surgeon can ensure the most balanced and harmonious result.