Facial plastic surgery is a field defined by constant refinement, deep anatomical knowledge, and a commitment to natural results. I am currently compiling data from my personal case series spanning over twenty years of endoscopic facelifts using the MIVEL technique. With more than seven hundred documented cases, it stands as one of the most significant and comprehensive case series for endoscopic lifting worldwide. Reflecting on this milestone provides a unique opportunity to discuss the foundational principles that have remained steadfast and the groundbreaking advancements that have transformed the procedure.
The Foundation: What Has Remained the Same
Over two decades, the core philosophy of endoscopic facial surgery has not changed. The surgical access routes remain the same: it is a virtually scarless procedure. By utilizing very small incisions completely hidden within the hairline, the face is left without visible scarring. Furthermore, the fundamental mechanism of the endoscopic lift has always been to work strictly in depth. Unlike traditional methods that stretch the skin, this technique repositions the deep underlying tissues, ensuring a natural, un-pulled appearance.
The Evolution: Standardizing MIVEL 1, 2, and 3
While the deep-plane, scarless approach is constant, the scope of what we can achieve has expanded dramatically.
- MIVEL 1: In the early years, the procedure was primarily limited to the upper face. Today, I have standardized this as MIVEL 1, which targets the periocular region specifically for eye elongation and rejuvenation.
- MIVEL 2: As my experience grew, I developed MIVEL 2. This advancement extends the deep-tissue repositioning down to the malar and zygomatic region, effectively lifting the midface and restoring lost volume to the cheeks.
- MIVEL 3: In recent years, I have standardized the most comprehensive version of the technique. MIVEL 3 extends all the way to the mandibular angle. This allows for a complete, endoscopic vertical lift of all facial tissues—encompassing the periocular area, the midface, and the jawline simultaneously.
Documenting these 700 cases in an upcoming scientific publication is a privilege, allowing me to share two decades of surgical evolution.
For more information on this procedure, please read about Endoscopic Lifting (MIVEL). To schedule a consultation, visit our Contact Page.
