The Universal Fear: “I Don’t Want to Look Operated” This is probably the number one concern of patients considering facial surgery: fear of ending up with “windswept” look — that pulled, tense, artificial appearance we see in some poorly operated celebrities. And it’s a legitimate concern. We all know examples of people who clearly “had something done” — and not in a flattering way. Artificial appearance is real, happens, and is avoidable.
“The best facelift is one nobody notices. Patient looks rested, younger, more vibrant — but nobody can identify exactly what changed.”
- — Dr. Robério Brandão The [Modern Face philosophy has as one of its pillars Elegance in Results — precisely to avoid this unwanted outcome.
Why Do Artificial Results Happen? Before understanding how to avoid, we need to understand causes of unnatural results:
1. Wrong Vectors
Traction vector determines how tissues reposition. Excessively lateral vectors (back and up) create “windswept” appearance — pulled eyes, tensed mouth, permanent surprised expression.
2. Excessive Tension
More isn’t better. Excessive tension on skin or SMAS creates tense, unnatural appearance. Over time, this tension can lead to progressive distortions or accelerated recurrence.
3. Excessive Skin Removal
“Stretching” skin without repositioning deep structures creates visible superficial tension. Less skin removal with better SMAS repositioning generates more natural and lasting result.
- Poorly Calibrated Additional Procedures Aggressive blepharoplasty, excessive brow lift, disproportionate lip filler — procedures that individually could be adequate, together create artificial ensemble.
The Solution: Vertical Vectors
The fundamental principle for natural results is simple: lift where gravity pulls down. With aging, gravity pulls tissues downward. Malar descends, creating nasolabial fold. Cheeks fall, creating jowl. Natural logic is to lift vertically — restore original position.
❌ Lateral Vector (Windswept)
Direction: Back and up (↗) Result: Pulled, tense, surprised Problem: Against natural aging direction Durability: May recur faster
✅ Vertical Vector (Modern Face)
Direction: Straight up (↑) Result: Natural, rested, rejuvenated Logic: Opposite to gravity, restores youthful position Durability: Lasting structural support The Endomidface technique was developed specifically with vertical vectors in mind. Fixation is done on deep temporal fascia in vertical direction, restoring youthful malar position without lateral tension.
Principles for Natural Results
1
Reposition, Don’t Stretch
Goal is to restore tissues to youthful position, not create tension. Techniques working on deep structures (SMAS, periosteum) allow repositioning with minimal skin tension. 2
Calculated Conservatism
Less is often more. Subtle result that can be complemented is preferable to excessive result that can’t be undone. 3
Respect Individual Anatomy
Each face has unique proportions. Goal is to rejuvenate patient’s face, not create standardized face. 4
Harmony Between Procedures
If combining facelift with blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty or others, each procedure must be calibrated for harmonic joint result. 5
Appropriate Patient Selection
Not every patient is surgery candidate. Unrealistic expectations, unfavorable anatomy or inadequate timing are contraindications for natural results.
Frequently Asked Questions
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