https://currentfacialplasticsurgery.com/

Sarah Novis, MD, 1124-1 Sea Mountain Highway, North Myrtle Beach, SC (2026)

03/13/2026

Understanding facial ligaments: the masseteric ligament.

The masseter muscle runs from the cheekbone down around the corner of the jaw and is one of the main muscles responsible for closing your mouth.

Just in front of that muscle are small fibrous attachments called the masseteric ligaments. These attachments tether the skin to the deeper tissues along the front border of the masseter.

They’re not as strong as the zygomatic ligaments, but they still play an important role. They separate the tightly adhered skin on the outer cheek from the more mobile skin toward the center of the face.

As the face ages and tissues descend, these attachments can contribute to heaviness along the lower cheek and jawline.

During a deep plane facelift, the masseteric ligaments are carefully released. This allows the medial facial tissues to move upward as a unit, restoring smoother contour through the cheek and jawline rather than simply tightening the skin.

Dr. Novis is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in North Myrtle Beach, SC. Patients travel from across the country for her signature CURRENT Lift technique.

For more information:
(843) 371-1610
info@currentfacialplasticsurgery.com
www.currentfacialplasticsurgery.com

03/12/2026

Let’s talk about one of the most important retaining ligaments in the face: the zygomatic cutaneous ligament.

This ligament sits just behind the smile muscles and creates a dense attachment between the skin and the deeper structures of the cheek. In some people, it is even visible as a shadow or small indentation.

In a deep plane facelift, this ligament must be fully released to allow the cheek and lower face to move upward as a unit. While it is often described as supporting the malar fat pad, its role is much broader. Releasing it is one of the keys to getting a natural, powerful repositioning of the face without simply pulling on the skin.

Dr. Novis is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in North Myrtle Beach, SC. Patients travel from across the country for her signature CURRENT Lift technique.

For more information:
(843) 371-1610
info@currentfacialplasticsurgery.com
www.currentfacialplasticsurgery.com

03/11/2026

Today I’m highlighting the mandibular ligament, one of the key retaining ligaments released during a deep plane face and neck lift.

This ligament sits between the skin and the mandible (jawbone). If you trace a line down from the corner of the mouth toward the jawline, you’ll often notice a small indentation where the skin is firmly tethered. That fixed point is the mandibular ligament.

When we’re young, it helps maintain structure. But as the tissues of the face descend with time, everything begins to fall around that fixed attachment. The result is the contour change we recognize as a jowl.

During a deep plane face and neck lift, this ligament is carefully released through a small incision under the chin. Releasing it allows the tissues to move freely again so the jawline can be repositioned and the jowl smoothed in a natural way.

Dr. Novis is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in North Myrtle Beach, SC. Patients travel from across the country for her signature CURRENT Lift technique.

For more information:
(843) 371-1610
info@currentfacialplasticsurgery.com
www.currentfacialplasticsurgery.com

03/10/2026

Six months after her CURRENT Lift and the results continue to settle beautifully.

This patient had a deep plane facelift and neck lift with an upper blepharoplasty and temporal brow lift. The goal was never to change how she looks, but to restore structure that had softened with time.

Notice the difference in her neckline and jawline definition. The heaviness under the chin is gone, the contour along the jaw is cleaner, and her eyes appear more open and refreshed. Most importantly, she still looks completely like herself. Just more rested, more youthful, and naturally refined.

Six months is when we really begin to appreciate how these deeper structural changes translate into a natural result.

Dr. Novis is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in North Myrtle Beach, SC. Patients travel from across the country for her signature CURRENT Lift technique.

For more information:
(843) 371-1610
info@currentfacialplasticsurgery.com
www.currentfacialplasticsurgery.com

03/09/2026

Six days post op and already back for a check in.

She sailed through recovery without a single narcotic. The most common things patients notice at this stage are a feeling of tightness and a little swelling, but overall she’s feeling amazing.

One of the things she shared was how easy the experience felt being done under local anesthesia with oral sedation, which is how we perform all of our procedures. As she describes it, you’re relaxed, drifting in and out of sleep, even dreaming at times, but not very aware of the surgery itself. Patients can get up, take a quick break if needed, then come right back and continue.

For most of our patients, it ends up being a very comfortable experience with a smooth recovery.

Dr. Novis is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in North Myrtle Beach, SC. Patients travel from across the country for her signature CURRENT Lift technique.

For more information:
(843) 371-1610
info@currentfacialplasticsurgery.com
www.currentfacialplasticsurgery.com

03/08/2026

Bone smashing is trending on TikTok right now. People are taking hammers or mallets to their face claiming it creates “micro trauma” to the bones that will lead to sharper jawlines or higher cheekbones.

Let’s clear this up. That’s not how facial anatomy works.

When you hit your face, the impact is absorbed by the skin, fat, and muscles. Those soft tissues are designed to take the force. The bone underneath is not remodeling from that kind of trauma. At most, you’ll end up with swelling, bruising, or scar tissue.

You are not going to grow bigger cheekbones or a stronger jawline by hitting yourself in the face.

Your face deserves better than TikTok experiments.

Dr. Novis is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in North Myrtle Beach, SC. Patients travel from across the country for her signature CURRENT Lift technique.

For more information:
(843) 371-1610
info@currentfacialplasticsurgery.com
www.currentfacialplasticsurgery.com

03/07/2026

Is it normal to feel guilty about wanting a facelift?

Very common. One of the first things many patients say during a consultation is, “I can’t believe I’m here. I never thought I’d be someone who would get a facelift.”

There is still a lot of stigma around facial plastic surgery, even though society constantly encourages us to look our best. That contradiction can make people feel guilty for wanting to do something about changes they see in the mirror.

The truth is, facelift surgery should be guilt free when it’s done for the right reason. Most patients simply want their appearance to match how they feel inside. They feel energetic and confident, but the mirror reflects someone who looks tired or sad.

In many ways, it’s no different than coloring gray hair or wearing makeup. It’s simply another way to look like the best version of yourself.

Dr. Novis is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in North Myrtle Beach, SC. Patients travel from across the country for her signature CURRENT Lift technique.

For more information:
(843) 371-1610
info@currentfacialplasticsurgery.com
www.currentfacialplasticsurgery.com

03/06/2026

3 days post op check in.

This is as bad as it gets.

Three days after her CURRENT Lift with temporal brow lift, swelling has peaked. Even so, she’s feeling great, has no bruising, and needed zero narcotic pain medication.

Most of the swelling you see here is actually from the brow lift, where fluid under the scalp can migrate down into the face over the first few days. This is completely expected and will continue to improve quickly over the coming week.
And even with swelling… that jawline is already stunning.

The early days of recovery often surprise patients. It’s usually much easier than they anticipated.

Dr. Novis is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in North Myrtle Beach, SC. Patients travel from across the country for her signature CURRENT Lift technique.

For more information:
(843) 371-1610
info@currentfacialplasticsurgery.com
www.currentfacialplasticsurgery.com

03/05/2026

Unwrapping day is always special. Seeing the new contour of the jawline and neck for the first time can be emotional, and sometimes it brings out a few happy tears.

At this stage, a lot of what you’re seeing is still early swelling, especially from the brow lift. Swelling from the upper face often settles downward, so the jawline will continue to refine as everything heals.

But even this early, you can already see the beautiful structure and natural definition beginning to appear. And this is only the start.

Dr. Novis is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in North Myrtle Beach, SC, specializing in deep plane facelift and neck lift surgery performed under local anesthesia with oral sedation. Patients travel from across the country for her signature CURRENT Lift, known for natural, elegant facial rejuvenation.

For more information:
(843) 371-1610
info@currentfacialplasticsurgery.com
www.currentfacialplasticsurgery.com

03/04/2026

Jim Carrey’s new look. Let's unpack.

Did surgery change his face… or just remove the features that made him recognizable?

As a facial plastic surgeon, this transformation raises an interesting question about facial anatomy, aging, and what happens when distinctive facial ligaments are released during surgery.

It’s not about whether the result is “good” or “bad.”
The real question is: when does rejuvenation start to change someone’s identity?

Watch the video and tell me what you think!

Dr. Novis is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon based in North Myrtle Beach, SC. Patients travel from across the country for her signature CURRENT Lift, a deep plane facelift and neck lift performed with meticulous technique for natural, elegant results.

Why patients choose Dr. Novis:
-No need for general anesthesia
-Oral sedation with local anesthesia
-A full deep-plane lift with permanent structural results
-No drain tubes
-Reduced bruising and faster recovery
-Dr. Novis is a double board certified, female facial plastic surgeon and facelift and neck lift expert

For more information:
(843) 371-1610
info@currentfacialplasticsurgery.com
www.currentfacialplasticsurgery.com

03/04/2026

Refined, lifted, and still completely natural.

On the table results after a CURRENT Lift with temporal brow lift and upper blepharoplasty. Her jawline is smoother and more defined, the neck is tightened, and the upper eyelids are refreshed. The goal is never to change someone’s face, but to restore structure and balance so they look like the best version of themselves.

Dr. Novis is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon based in North Myrtle Beach, SC. Patients travel from across the country for her signature CURRENT Lift, a deep plane facelift and neck lift performed with meticulous technique for natural, elegant results.

Why patients choose Dr. Novis:
-No need for general anesthesia
-Oral sedation with local anesthesia
-A full deep-plane lift with permanent structural results
-No drain tubes
-Reduced bruising and faster recovery
-Dr. Novis is a double board certified, female facial plastic surgeon and facelift and neck lift expert

For more information:
(843) 371-1610
info@currentfacialplasticsurgery.com
www.currentfacialplasticsurgery.com

03/03/2026

Marking for a deep plane facelift and neck lift with temporal brow lift.

Every line you see here is intentional. These markings are surgical landmarks that guide what I’m doing beneath the surface.

My temporal brow access incision is placed well within the hairline. I do not trim the hair. It heals beautifully and is very difficult to find once recovered.

For the deep plane entry, I hide the incision within the natural temporal hair tuft. I step back just a few follicles and bevel the incision so hair grows through the scar, helping it blend seamlessly over time.

Under the chin, I use the patient’s natural crease for a small, approximately three quarter inch access incision. The rest of the work is performed beneath the skin, with no visible surface incisions in the marked areas.

When she smiles, you can see the insertion of the zygomaticus muscle and a subtle natural dimple. Preserving those details is part of achieving a result that looks refreshed, not altered.

Deep plane technique is about precise anatomy, thoughtful incision placement, and contour refinement that looks natural at rest and in motion.

Dr. Novis is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in North Myrtle Beach, SC, specializing in deep plane facelift and neck lift procedures performed under local anesthesia.

Why patients choose Dr. Novis:
-No need for general anesthesia
-Oral sedation with local anesthesia
-A full deep-plane lift with permanent structural results
-No drain tubes
-Reduced bruising and faster recovery
-Dr. Novis is a double board certified, female facial plastic surgeon and facelift and neck lift expert

For more information:
(843) 371-1610
info@currentfacialplasticsurgery.com
www.currentfacialplasticsurgery.com

Sarah Novis, MD

03/13/2026

03/12/2026

03/11/2026

03/10/2026

03/09/2026

03/08/2026

03/07/2026

03/06/2026

03/05/2026

03/04/2026

03/04/2026

03/03/2026

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