The Facial Rejuvenation Enhancing Cheek Lift (FRENCH LIFT), a Facelift Technique that Treats Sagging of the Anterior Column of the Face: A Single Surgeon’s 10-year Experience with 1100 Operated Patients

Background

Most facelift techniques have limited effect on the nasolabial fold and the more medial part of the face. The facial rejuvenation enhancing cheek (FRENCH) lift can treat both jowl sagging and midface deflation by a monobloc vertical and oblique displacement of the anterior column of the face through an extended subcutaneous dissection.

Objectives

To explain the surgical technique and to show its efficacy on the nasolabial fold, jawline and infraorbital rim.

Methods

We retrospectively included all patients operated by a single surgeon between 2014 and 2024. Data were collected and analyzed for patient demographics, outcomes and complications.

Results

In total, 1100 consecutive patients were included (53 males, 1047 females). Mean age was 58 (29–83) years. Primary facelift was performed in 968 patients, secondary in 132 patients. Associated procedures were performed in 679 cases (25 lipofillings, 509 blepharoplasties, 145 browlifts, 22 bichectomies). The complication rate was 7% (39 hematomas, 5 neuropraxias of the buccal branch, 6 neuropraxias of the mandibular branch, 7 infections, 26 skin necrosis).

Conclusions

The FRENCH Lift is a safe and long-term effective facelift technique that allows the treatment of jowl fat sagging, nasolabial fold deepening and infraorbital rim hollowing by a vertical and oblique lifting of the more medial facial fat compartments.

Level of Evidence IV

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