HISTORY OF THE S-LIFT

Passot’s et al Concept of the S-Lift:
The concept of a face lift using an S-shaped incision in front of the ear originated early last century (the first description was published by Passot in 1917).  However, at that time it involved only a “skin lift”, hence 4 the results were short-lived.  There is currently information on the Internet which criticises the S-Lift but it is clearly referring to this ‘antiquated technique’.



Ansari’s Technique
The modern S-Lift was developed by Dr.P.Ansari of Dusseldorf (Germany) who has performed close to 4,000 in the last 3 decades.  His technique consists of elevation of the underlying fibrous tissue or superficial musculoaperneurotic system (SMAS) with the skin attached to it as one unit therefore, it is not a “skin lift”, it is a SMAS procedure.  To maintain the connection between the SMAS and skin, the undermining is limited.  The vector of elevation is almost vertical which reverses the descent of facial tissue due to atrophy and diminished support with ageing and gravity.



Saylan’s Technique
Dr.Z Saylan also of Dusseldorf, popularised the S-Lift around the World.  He developed his own technique which consists of pre-excision of skin in front of the ear and fixation of the SMAS to the cheekbone.  However, there is a separate tightening of SMAS and skin.  Therefore, skin undermining is more extensive with tension on closure.

Zurek’s Technique
Dr.Zurek performed the first S-Lift in Australia in 1998 and today he has performed over 1,000 S-Lift procedures.  His technique is based on Ansari’s principles however, the incision is extended into the temple.  ‘Unit lifting’ of the fibromuscular structure (SMAS) with the skin attached to it.  An almost vertical vector is used to elevate the

neck and lower face and another vector to elevate and reposition the mid-face.  Only the excess skin is removed after lifting of the SMAS, this allows skin repair without tension, expected to produce an imperceptible scar.  In 2000 Dr.Zurek conducted a scientific survey on 200 patients following the S-Lift which was published and presented internationally.  The survey shows that the S-Lift is extremely safe and effective with a high percentage of satisfaction in patients.



References

1. Zurek L. Instructional Course: SAFE 2nd World Congress of Cosmetic Surgery Mumbai, India December 2003.
2. Zurek L. Instructional Course: SAFE, 49th Meeting and World Congress of the International Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Lisbon, Portugal September 2004.
3. Zurek L. Live Surgery Workshop: SAFE, 4th World Congress on Cosmetic and Dermatology Surgery. Manila, Philippines February 2004.
4. Zurek L. Live Surgery Workshops: Face Lift Zurek’s Technique. 5050 Aesthetic Surgery Clinic, Seoul, South Korea September 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006.
5. Zurek L. SAFE Instructional Course and Live Surgery Presentation. The 1st World Congress of the Taiwan Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Taipei Taiwan December 2005.
6. Zurek L. SAFE International Congress of Advanced Cosmetic Surgery HCMC, Vietnam August 2004.
7. Zurek L. Survey of Randomly Following the S-Lift Procedure. EACS 5th Annual Meeting on Cosmetic Surgery Berlin May 2001
8. Zurek LH. S-lift patient survey. International Journal of Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Dermatology 2(4):235-241, 2000.
9. Zurek L. Short access facial elevation 23rd International Congress of Aesthetic Surgery. Paris May 2006