[Concepts in face lifts. State of the art]

A brief review of the historical development of face-lifting is followed by a description of the current concepts in order to judge the general aspects of modern face-lifting better; composite face-lifting, sub-SMAS, extended face-lifting, video-assisted face-lifting, and laser-assisted skin rejuvenation are discussed in detail. The results show that there is no such thing as a general face-lift. Each of the methods described has a specific indication, but no longer under the general outdated aspect that the face should be "tightened". Rather, modern rhytidectomy should be understood as anatomical repositioning of ptotic soft tissue, especially the nasolabial fat pad. Individual problem zones must be included in the subtitle surgical strategy, which involves individualized techniques and weighing the benefits and risks.