He has since published two papers on the technique in the American journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the most recent being based on the results of over 500 consecutive facelifts performed. This information was also presented at the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery congress in Dallas in 1996. The extended SMAS technique has been the subject of increasing international interest and was performed by Dr. Mendelson as a live procedure to the Canadian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Conference in October 1999.

The Extended SMAS Facelift creates an individualised and natural rejuvenation by working on the contours of the face beneath the skin, restoring the facial muscles to their youthful position.

During the ageing process the ligaments which hold these muscles in place stretch, which means the youthful, rounded definition of the face changes over time to a downcast and sagging demeanour, especially in the important mid-cheek area. The definition and clarity of facial shape becomes lost in the overall downward movement.

The Extended SMAS technique is important because for the first time it enables plastic surgeons to correct the laxity of the ageing face at the cause, which is beneath the skin. Until this technique the only way to improve facial appearance was by using the traditional 'camouflage' technique, which involved stretching skin over the sagging structure beneath.

Because the Extended SMAS facelift works beneath the skin, bringing the muscles back to their former position, natural contour and defintion is subtly restored to the face. The skin is then draped naturally over the rejuvenated structure, without any unnatural stretching or tightening.

Unlike the traditional 'camouflage' facelift technique, the Extended SMAS Facelift provides a lasting result, removing eight to ten years of facial ageing for the life of the patient. It does not require 'retightening' every few years, as the traditional techniques does, and this means that patients do not risk acquiring the well known 'mask' look of repeat facelift surgery.