Facelift surgery has progressed significantly over the last 30 years. Where it once began simply by tightening up the skin, it has evolved to sophisticated facial rejuvenating procedures involving the deeper planes of the face to provide for a longer-lasting, naturally looking result. One such surgeon who has been at the forefront in establishing the field is Dr. Kevin Sadati, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon located in Newport Beach, California.
It started with the mini facelift—a less aggressive facelift surgery conceived for correcting early signs of aging in the lower face and the area around the jawline. Though good for mild sagging, results were typically transitory. To help his patients gain improved, longer-lasting results, Dr. Sadati perfected the Double C SMAS Plication Facelift Method and honed it in well over 1,500 cases, reporting his results in the American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery. It folded the SMAS layer in a double “C” pattern suture, enhanced the appearance of the jawline, and the neck. It provided firmer facelift results than previous tactics—but still had its limitations, most notably in the midface area, also in the nasolabial fold.
To increase support along with midface correction, he developed the Triple C SMAS Plication Technique, published in the prestigious Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Journal. This introduced a third vector of elevation, for improved contouring. However, as with most SMAS facelift procedures, it relied on folding the tissue instead of completely mobilizing it, something that limited how much correction could be achieved for the deeper aspects of facial aging.
Dr. Sadati then proceeded with the Extended Deep Plane Facelift, where the tissues are lifted below the SMAS layer with release of significant retaining ligaments. It allowed for fuller tissue relocation and greater midface rejuvenation. However, the technique entailed sacrifices: increased swelling, longer recovery period, yet high incidence of seromas/hematomas formation.
To solve these issues, Dr. Sadati developed the Preservation Deep Plane Facelift—a cutting-edge technique that merges the effectiveness of a deep plane facelift with a gentler, more anatomically respectful approach. This technique, blending aspects of the Extended Deep-Plane and High Lateral SMAS Facelifts, aims to optimize outcomes while minimizing risks and recovery duration. The term Preservation facelift refers to limited skin dissection in the face and neck areas to reduce complications while achieving extended deep plane facelift results. It also aims to preserve anatomical structures as much as possible. His Preservation Facelift technique also incorporate a rotating pedicled SMAS flap along the jawline. This maneuver aims to sharpen the jawline. Better neck contouring is achieved through minimal skin elevation but working on the deep neck muscles called platysma creating a hammock with unique quilting sutures.
This modern technique is ideal for a wide range of ages, since it is performed under twilight sedation like colonoscopy IV sedation, avoiding the need for general anesthesia, it significantly lowers the risk of complications. The Preservation Deep Plane Facelift reflects Dr. Sadati’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of facial plastic surgery, offering patients from all corners of the world a better facial rejuvenation technique.
Dr. Sadati has authored numerous original facial rejuvenation procedures, including his revolutionary Preservation Deep Plane Facelift, in the highly respected Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Journal. His innovative technique has been well received throughout the aesthetic surgery community. He has presented his methods and results in countless national and international medical society meetings, where he is often a guest speaker due to his expertise in facial plastic surgery. These offerings are a testament not only to his leadership in developing surgical procedures, but also his dedication to informing fellow surgeons throughout the globe.