[The modern surgery of face lift: indications and results]

In this retrospective study with a group of 55 patients aged 47.7 +/- 8.3 years, surveyed for a period of 16 months, the results of different face lift techniques--subcutaneous face lift combined with imbrication of the SMAS-Platysma complex versus sub-SMAS-dissection with transposition of the SMAS-Platysma complex--were compared in order to evaluate risks and complication rates of these two techniques. Various indications and different techniques including special features were discussed. A slightly higher complication rate is evident in the patient group treated with the sub-SMAS face lift technique, mainly referring to temporary asthenia of the nervus facialis, which regressed in all cases after 7 months. The post op bleeding rate was 2.3%, within the range given in the literature. Concludingly, the pure subcutaneous face lift with imbrication of the SMAS-Platysma complex still is an established method in modern rhytidectomy treatment.