Video-assisted facial surgery uses an endoscope and specialized instruments through small scalp incisions to visualize, release and reposition selected upper-face and midface tissues. It can be valuable in appropriate anatomy, but “minimally invasive” does not mean minor, scarless or risk-free.
Where video-assisted surgery may be used
| Region | Potential objective | What it does not automatically treat |
|---|---|---|
| Brow and forehead | Release and reposition selected descended tissues | True eyelid ptosis or every case of excess eyelid skin |
| Temporal region | Refine lateral brow position | All wrinkles or skin-quality problems |
| Midface | Reposition selected malar tissues | Lower-face jowls, neck laxity or every nasolabial fold |
| Periorbital combination | Complement selected eyelid and volume procedures | Pigmentation, festoons or chronic edema |
How it differs from Deep Plane facelift
Video-assisted surgery is commonly directed to the upper face and selected midface. A Deep Plane facelift primarily addresses the lower face and jawline through a different access and dissection. They may be combined in selected patients because each region requires a different movement; they are not competing techniques and neither is universally superior.
See Deep Plane versus facial video surgery.
Incisions, release and fixation
Dr. June Favarin’s upper-face approach commonly uses several small scalp incisions. Endoscopic visualization assists identification of anatomical landmarks while tissues are released and fixed in an individualized vector. No skin is routinely removed from these portal incisions. Different fixation methods may be used according to anatomy and operative planning.
Who may need a different approach?
Hairline, hair density, scalp quality, previous surgery, degree of skin excess, functional needs, medical conditions and expectations all matter. Some older or functional patients may be better served by a direct brow procedure. Others need conservative blepharoplasty, specific ptosis correction, fat grafting or no brow surgery.
Risks and recovery
Small scars remain inside the scalp. Risks include bleeding, infection, asymmetric brow position, undercorrection, overcorrection, localized hair loss, fixation awareness, numbness, itching and temporary or persistent weakness involving facial nerve branches. Swelling may extend around the eyes. Scalp tightness, temporal discomfort while chewing and altered sensation are common early concerns.
Recovery evolves over months even when social activity resumes sooner. Read the video-assisted recovery guide.
Previous treatments and international planning
Botox, fillers, threads, biostimulators and energy devices can alter examination or tissue response. Dermatologic ultrasound may be helpful when prior material is uncertain. Major combined facial surgery is performed at Hospital São José. International patients commonly plan at least 15 days in Brazil, adjusted to recovery, with concierge support for logistics.
