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The MICRO-Lift: A Ligaments-Based Anatomic Technique for Lower Face and Neck Rejuvenation Using Bipolar Radiofrequency.

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery volume 46, pages 1211–1220 (2022)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

The aim of this paper is to present the results of a new technique for lower face and neck rejuvenation named the MICRO-lift (Minimally Invasive, Combined Radiofrequency, Outpatient lift). This technique is based on a bipolar radiofrequency treatment applied to specific ligamentous areas.

Methods

Inclusion criteria were patients with skin laxity of the neck and jowls, with or without fat accumulation. Patients who presented platysma sag and alteration of subplatysmal structures were excluded from the study. The distribution of the energy was adapted to the ligament anatomy, differentiating three areas based on the energy concentration.

In all patients, sex, age at surgery, type of anesthesia, radiofrequency parameters and complications were registered. In all cases, standard photographs and satisfaction interviews were conducted preoperatively and postoperatively. Satisfaction evaluation was also assessed.

Results

Sixty-five patients underwent MICRO-lift technique for the lower face and neck. All patients in our series were female. There were no major complications. Minor complications included transient paralysis of the marginal mandibular (4,6%), infection of the submental incision that required incisional drainage (3,1%), and deep skin burn in the neck (1,5%). Fifty-nine patients were satisfied a year after the treatment (90,8%).

Conclusions

The MICRO-lift can produce outstanding and satisfying improvements in cervicofacial appearance. This new approach offers a predictable strategy to achieve the desired aesthetic results, making this procedure more reliable and reproducible for both novel and experienced surgeons with bipolar radiofrequency.

Level of Evidence IV

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Acknowledgement

Thanks to my mentors (Dr. Bernardo Hontanilla, Dr. Alexis Verpaele, Dr. Patrick Tonnard and Dr. Daniel Labbé) for sharing their knowledge in facial anatomy and facial plastic surgery with me.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. FEMM Cirugía y Medicina Estética, Madrid, Spain

    Jesus Olivas-Menayo

  2. MS Medical Institutes by Exclusive Doctors, Lisbon, Portugal

    Jesus Olivas-Menayo

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  1. Jesus Olivas-Menayo
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Correspondence to Jesus Olivas-Menayo.

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The Author is a consultant for Inmode Iberia. No payments or support were received for the publication of this study.

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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or

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This study has been approved following the ethical norms and standards in the Declaration of Helsinki, including ethics committee approval statement and informed consent statement.

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Olivas-Menayo, J. The MICRO-Lift: A Ligaments-Based Anatomic Technique for Lower Face and Neck Rejuvenation Using Bipolar Radiofrequency.. Aesth Plast Surg 46, 1211–1220 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-021-02719-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-021-02719-0

Keywords

  • RFAL
  • MICRO-lift
  • Face and neck rejuvenation
  • Minimally invasive plastic surgery