SAFE ( S-Access Facial Elevation™ )

the advanced S-Lift.

The majority of people today considering a facelift to improve the sagging, tired appearance of their face, are not prepared to spend many months recovering from aggressive procedures that carry risks from nerve damage, too many tell-tale signs of intervention and a lengthy period of pain and discomfort
These trends led Dr Zurek to pursue the option of minimally invasive facelifts.
In 1998 he performed the first S-Lift procedure in Australia and has worked on developing this specific technique right up until today, which he now calls his SAFE procedure.

Every surgical procedure carries some inherent risks but less intervention is likely to be safer and also means a shorter downtime for recovery, and the refreshed, firmer appearance that still looks like YOU.

Photo lady 1998

The SAFE procedure.

The “S” relates to the shape of the incision, 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 little notch on the ear (tragus) and neatly curls back behind the ear lobe for 1-3 cms, completing the S shaped curve.

This allows Access to the underlying fibromuscular structure (SMAS); this unit is lifted, along with the attached skin, using strong, biocompatible sutures in a vertical direction (lifting upwards makes sense, as everything has been heading downward)!
This results in a natural appearance as opposed to the old methods of lifting where the final result looked as if you had been caught in a wind tunnel, due to a more horizontal pull on the skin.
Only the redundant skin is removed, the wound is repaired without any tension. resulting in an imperceptible scar, almost impossible to detect.

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 the mid face. To further improve the mid-face, often volume replacement is required (see Fat Transfer).

(Liposculpture may also be necessary to reduce the fat pad under the chin).
It is not a procedure to correct the loose skin around the eyes (see Blepharoplasty).

Patients often make the comment; I want to still look like ME, just refreshed.

To assess the degree of skin laxity (looseness), observe yourself in the mirror and pinch and pull at the sides of your face as demonstrated. A moderate to severe amount will benefit from the SAFE procedure. If you have only a mild laxity the AGE Filaments™ can be the alternative for you.

Surgery does not address the texture, pigment marks and heavily sun damaged skins, you would have to consider improving the skin itself with Chemical Peel or Laser, IPL and in milder cases Microdermabrasion.

The Procedure

The procedure is performed in the clinic under local anaesthetic (a special anaesthetic that lifts the skin and reduces bleeding). Oral sedation is given and most people sleep comfortably through the whole procedure; which takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

After a brief post operative period you will be able to go home or to a local hotel if you prefer.
You will be given medication for pain relief and sleeping if required, to take with you.
A small dressing will cover the wound and you will be required to wear a special support garment 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. A large headscarf, hooded jacket or beanie can be worn to conceal this.

You will need to attend the clinic the next day for dressing change. You may have a shower (not too hot) on the first day and wash your hair on the third day.

Stitches need to be removed 7 days after surgery. (Interstate patients can have them removed by their local GP or nurse).

Most patients return to work approximately 10 days after the SAFE procedure. However the healing process will continue for a few weeks beyond that, until the final results are seen.

The option of additional procedures can be combined with the SAFE eg blepharoplasty, lip lift, brow lift. (see other procedures listed).

Summary of SAFE

• Performed under local anaesthetic
• A natural looking result
• Brief downtime
• Incision line imperceptible
• No hair loss