The History of the Facelift Procedure

Facelift procedures have been performed for over a century, evolving significantly in techniques and approaches over time. Initially involving more extensive and time-consuming methods, changing techniques in surgical practices have introduced less invasive options (ponytail facelift).

This article offers a general overview of the history and progression of facelift procedures. It’s important to remember that individual outcomes depend on various factors, and all surgical decisions should be made following a thorough consultation with a qualified medical professional.

Early Attempts at Facelifts

In 1901, a doctor named Eugen Holländer in Berlin claimed to have performed a facelift on an older noblewoman. The recipient was an elderly noblewoman who requested to have her appearance improved by lifting the corners of her mouth and cheeks.

Holländer’s approach involved removing small sections of skin in front of the ears and then closing the incisions. However, this method did not technically qualify as a true “facelift” because it focused on removal rather than lifting of excess skin. However, this technique laid the groundwork for further advancements in facelift procedures.

The First Successful Facelift

In 1916, Dr. Erich Lexer, a German surgeon and sculptor, made significant advancements in the field of facelift surgery by further refining Hollander’s technique. He successfully performed a revolutionary procedure known as the “lift”, which involved cutting away excess facial skin to create a tighter, appearance that was often described as resembling a “wind tunnel look”.. 

Development of Skin Grafting

In the context of facelift history, we can attribute one significant development to a Dutch surgeon named Johannes Esser. During the First World War, while providing medical care to wounded soldiers, Esser came up with a technique known as skin grafting. 

Modern Facelift Techniques

Tord Skoog, a Swedish surgeon, pioneered the notion of subfacial dissection in the late 1960s. He proposed that manipulating and suspending the deeper layers beneath the skin produced better outcomes than standard procedures.

In the mid-1970s, Peyronie and Mitz explored Skoog’s methods and eventually described the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). This procedure, named by a French maxillofacial surgeon, Dr Paul Tessier, continued to progress through Dr Tessier’s research until the late-1980s.

In his pursuit to further advance the SMAS procedure, Dr Sam Hamra was able to develop the deep plane facelift procedure in the 1990s. Similar to the SMAS technique, this procedure targets the lower layer of tissue.

And in early 2000, Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr Kao developed an approach known as the ponytail facelift. This technique transforms your face with minimal incisions while preserving the natural blood supply to the skin and facial tissues.

The Future of Facelifts

The history of facelift procedures highlights how far medical advancements have come in altering facial appearance. From rudimentary techniques in the 20th techniques to the minimally invasive approaches today, the evolution of facelifts reflects the pursuit of personalised solutions in cosmetic surgery.

While techniques and technologies may have advanced, results can vary and every person’s individual needs are unique. Making an informed decision not only means understanding the procedure but also setting expectations with what’s medically achievable and appropriate for your health and wellbeing.

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V:  How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.