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Review of 1,000 consecutive short-scar rhytidectomies
Neil Tanna1, William H Lindsey
1Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA. ntanna@gwu.edu
Background:
Short-scar rhytidectomies offer patients with mild to moderate facial aging an alternative to traditional face-lift surgery. Advantages of decreased recovery time, diminished risk, and decreased cost make this an attractive procedure to add to a cosmetic surgery practice.
Methods:
This study is a review of 1,000 consecutive short-scar rhytidectomies performed over 36 months with at least 6 months of follow-up. All patients underwent short-scar rhytidectomy with SMAS suspension. Outcome parameters examined included complications or adverse events and any interventions necessary.
Results:
The most common complication was suture extrusion, observed in 148 patients (14.8%). Ten patients had hematomas (1%), while postauricular nodules were observed in 8 patients (0.8%). Eight patients (0.8%) required liposuction under local anesthesia to address asymmetry due to under removal of fat in the submental region. Revision rhytidectomy was required in 5 patients (0.5%). Five patients (0.5%) had hypertrophic scarring, while 1 patient (0.1%) developed hyperpigmentation. There were no cases of nerve injury, infection, skin flap necrosis, skin puckering or depression, hair loss, or parotid injury.
Conclusion:
Short-scar rhytidectomy is an excellent procedure for good candidates with mild to moderate aging of the face. It has a very low complication rate and can be done safely in an office environment.