Evolution from endoscopic to miniinvasive facelift: a logical progression?

Endoscopy has revolutionized the field of aesthetic surgery, permitting the advent of cosmetic surgery via minimal incisions. The procedures are modifications of subperiosteal lifting techniques which grew out of craniofacial surgery. Nonetheless, the cumbersome instrumentation and changes in operator technique have led to the development of a subperiosteal facelift through minimal incisions without the aid of endoscopy. This miniinvasive approach has yielded equivalent results to our endoscopic rhytidectomies in appropriate patients, with reduced morbidity, edema, and operating time. Further, it permits the avoidance of preauricular scars in the majority (84%) of patients; 63 cases are presented, with a follow-up of up to 4 years.