Traditional rhytidectomy techniques, such as the cutaneous lift, the superficial musculoaponeurotic system lift, the deep plane lift and the subperiosteal lift, are mostly differentiated by their different planes of dissection. As well, many of these techniques consider the complete mobilization of tissues a prerequisite for obtaining a satisfactory result.However, is it true that the result of a rhytidectomy is linked to the choice of the dissection plane? Also, is it true that the adequacy of the surgical mobilization of tissues is vital to the outcome? The present paper discusses the above questions and introduces a factor that is believed to be crucial to the planning and success of a rhytidectomy: facial tissue mobility. The analysis of this mobility is presented and leads to the development of three theories: ‘intrinsic mobility’, ‘surgically induced mobility’ and ‘optimum mobility points’. These theories form the foundation of a rhytidectomy technique termed ‘optimum mobility’ facelift.
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