R Lift ~ Vertical Face Lift



For many of us, facial features will begin to descend and flatten over the years due to a number of factors. A loss of bone density, muscular degradation, loss of collagen and skin laxity can contribute to facial features that look less healthy and vibrant. We also talk with many individuals who are unhappy with their inherited facial contours. The good news is whatever the nature of your concern, we can help.


In a face lift consult, Dr. Roberts will discuss other available options to help you achieve your goals, such as filler, BOTOX® or Dysport™ treatments, as well as a Fraxel® Re:pair procedure. These less invasive treatment options have limitations and won't endure as long as a facelift, nevertheless, they represent viable options for many patients. For those patients who want more significant or enduring results, the face lift or R Lift is an alternative.


R Lift™ ~ Vertical Face Lift

The R-Lift ™ facelift technique lifts facial features vertically, which provides a more natural result and doesn't have the same pulled or too-tight look which may accompany other more common face lift techniques. In any face lift procedure, after making incisions in the skin, the physician separates the skin from the underlying tissues in order to remove excess skin. Key differences in the R-Lift approach include how the skin is handled, how the incisions are opened and closed, and placement of the incisions, among other things. These key differences will be discussed below.

After the skin is separated from underlying tissue, where necessary, Dr. Roberts will elevate the underlying muscle by vertically repositioning the muscles to their more natural, youthful position. Since we age vertically rather than laterally, vertical repositioning of the muscle can result in a more natural rejuvenation of the face. The vertical lift can also provide a nice, aesthetically-pleasing lift and contour of the neck, as well. The vertical lifting gives definition to the jaw line, as well as tightening the neck and jawline to restore natural, healthy contours.


Meticulous Attention to Detail

After separating the skin from the underlying tissue, the next step in most traditional face lift procedures is to pull the skin back tautly to remove excess skin. This is one of the common reasons for a pulled look after a face lift procedure. With the R Lift, the skin is gently lifted and laid back over the underlying tissue, without stretching the skin. Dr. Roberts does not put skin on tension or stretch it, so it sits passively in the incision line, not only avoiding a pulled look, but helping make a scar paper thin.

While meticulously taking his time, Dr. Roberts then removes the excess skin. In closing the incisions, Dr. Roberts uses a fine-suture closure technique. Once again, it is important to Dr. Roberts to take his time while closing the incisions. In haste, it is not uncommon for scars to be wider, irregular or more noticeable than necessary. Typically with Dr. Roberts' meticulous incision and closure method, incisions become virtually imperceptible because they are so fine and uniform.

Placement of the incisions is important in the overall outcome of your face lift procedure, as well. Dr. Roberts places incisions so they are in more optimal and discrete locations. For instance, in a female face lift, he utilizes post-tragal incisions placed slightly along the inside of the ear to hide the faint line resulting from the incision. He also places incisions along the crease in the back of the ear to hide any post-surgery lines. Additionally, Dr. Roberts utilizes beveled placement of incisions at the hairline to keep natural hairlines in place.


Another subtle touch that Dr. Roberts deploys is to utilize bi-polar cauterization for hemostasis (controlled bleeding) during the procedure. This is the same technique that is employed by neurosurgeons. It helps minimize heat damage to surrounding tissues, which is another way Dr. Roberts takes care to decrease post-procedure swelling for faster recovery.


These processes and techniques take more time than may be utilized by surgeons in "quick" type procedures. However in Dr. Roberts' opinion, the extra care is vital, often culminating in significant - if yet subtle - differences in your outcome. For example, Dr. Roberts wants you to be able to wear your hair pulled back if you so desire because you have the confidence your incision is not noticeable to others.

Finally, Dr. Roberts handles the skin of each patient gently, as if it were his own. He is convinced this has a great number of benefits in recovery, as well as helping optimize the outcome of the procedure. For instance, it is not uncommon to have far less bruising and swelling because Dr. Roberts takes care to handle your face with a gentle touch.


A Blend of Science and Symmetry

Dr. Roberts puts over 12 years of experience in every face lift procedure. He believes the perfect face lift involves a blend of science and symmetry, and he strives to achieve contours that preserve an individual's unique, distinctive aura. Dr. Roberts takes great pride and time to help provide natural, healthy contours for each individual patient.


Dr. Roberts is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis under IV sedation. While he has performed face lift, mini lift and quick lift type procedures under local anesthesia, he has found that most patients find a face lift extremely uncomfortable under local sedation. So much so that Dr. Roberts will not perform face lift procedures under local anesthesia anymore, opting for patient comfort. It is also his belief that the stress a patient endures under local anesthesia can affect healing time, as well.

In some instances, to help restore natural contours where significant facial degradation or malformities exist, Dr. Roberts may also suggest an implant, like a chin or cheek implant, or perhaps a stem cell autologous fat transfer. While the stem-cell face lift technology is still in its infancy, the stem cell face lift procedure can sometimes provide benefits in combination with the R Lift or traditional face lift procedure, in some cases.


It's never too late to begin reshaping your future. For a free confidential consultation to determine the option that is best for you, please call us today at 972-608-0000.