Face lifts with hidden scars: the vertical U incision

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Facial Rejuvenation Techniques
• Surgical Scar Management

Background:

• Facelift surgery often results in visible scarring, particularly in the retroauricular area.
• Minimizing visible scars is a key goal in aesthetic facial surgery.
• Traditional facelift incisions can lead to undesirable aesthetic outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel vertical U-shaped incision technique for facelifts.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of this technique in minimizing visible scarring.
• To assess patient outcomes and complication rates associated with the vertical U incision.

Main Methods:

• Development of a strictly vertical retroauricular incision combined with a temporal preauricular vertical incision, forming a U-shape.
• Utilizing skin and scalp redistribution rather than resection in temporal and retroauricular areas.
• Performing extensive superficial retroauricular undermining (6 cm from the sulcus).
• Clinical and photographic evaluation of 35 patients after a 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Excellent scar quality in the majority of cases, with few hypertrophic scars.
• No significant complications such as sensitivity issues, hair loss, scar spreading, or hairline displacement.
• Effective neck lifting comparable to the classic approach.
• High viability of the extensive retroauricular flap.
• Fast recovery with minimal adverse events like hematomas or fluid collections.

Conclusions:

• The vertical U-shaped incision is a safe and effective technique for facelifts, significantly improving scar visibility.
• This method offers excellent aesthetic results and patient satisfaction, with a low complication profile.
• The technique is suitable for primary and secondary facelifts, especially for young patients and men seeking discreet scarring.