The McCollough Facial Rejuvenation System: A Condition-Specific Classification Algorithm

ABSTRACT

The search for the holy grail in facial rejuvenation is an ongoing quest. Perhaps the reason the “ideal” face-lift has yet to be discovered is a result of three factors. First, the term face-lift has never been adequately defined. Second, fads and trends play a role in how the operation is taught and performed. Third, surgeons searching for the prototypic technique have not had a way to index the physical signs of facial aging. After 37 years of practicing facial plastic surgery and performing more than 5000 face-lifts, the author determined that replacing chaos with order is long overdue. To achieve this goal, he developed a classification system that is designed to match each potential patient's problems with the most appropriate facial rejuvenation treatment plan and a “language” by which facial rejuvenation surgeons can communicate. Five progressive stages of aging have been identified and matched with recommended courses of face-lifting, blepharoplasty, volume augmentation, and skin resurfacing techniques. Ancillary procedures have also been included when indicated. It is the author's hope that a new classification system will bring order to mounting confusion within the aesthetic surgery professions as well as within the public sector.

KEYWORDS

Face-lift - aging face - rhytidectomy

REFERENCES

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SUGGESTED READINGS

• 8 Holcomb J D, McCollough E G. Trichophytic incisional approaches to upper facial rejuvenation.  Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2001;  3 48-53
• 9 Campbell J P, McCollough E G, Metzinger S E. Posterior cervical rhytidectomy: a valuable adjunct in facial rejuvenation surgery.  Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1997;  116 79-90
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• 11 McCollough E G, Langsdon P R. Dermabrasion and Chemical Peel: A Guide for Facial Plastic Surgeons. New York, NY: Thieme Medical Publishers; 1988
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• 14 McCollough E G, Cortez E A. Blepharoplasty in the allergic patient. In: Spencer J T, ed. Allergy Problems: Current Therapy. Miami, FL: MEDED Publishers; 1981: 213-218
• 15 Garcia R E, McCollough E G. Transcutaneous lower eyelid blepharoplasty with fat excision: a shift-resisting paradigm.  Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2006;  8 374-380