Modified Rhytidectomy that Produces a More Natural Look: Experience with 110 Cases

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Aesthetic Medicine
• Facial Rejuvenation

Background:

• Aging impacts facial aesthetics and ear structure, often exacerbated by traditional rhytidectomy (facelift) procedures, leading to ear deformity.
• A novel rhytidectomy technique was previously developed to minimize facial and ear distortion using hidden incisions and autologous fat transfer.
• This study introduces a modification to the original technique specifically to prevent ear deformity, particularly inferior drifting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the benefits of a modified rhytidectomy technique compared to traditional facelifts.
• To highlight the technique's ability to achieve natural-looking facelift results.
• To present a method for preventing ear deformity post-rhytidectomy.

Main Methods:

• A modification involving the placement of two parallel 3-0 Monocryl suture strands under the scalp, running from side to side.
• Sutures are passed from the inferior part of each earlobe (front and back) and tied under moderate tension.
• This secures the ear in its preoperative anatomical position, preventing caudal (downward) drifting of the earlobe.

Main Results:

• The modified rhytidectomy technique results in hidden incisions within the ear, minimizing visible external scarring.
• It effectively prevents earlobe deformity and downward drifting, maintaining the ear's natural position.
• The procedure avoids hairline distortion and achieves a natural-looking facelift without unnatural pulling.

Conclusions:

• The use of 360° round-block, inside-the-ear incisions reduces lymphatic derangement due to shorter skin cuts.
• This modified rhytidectomy approach yields aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking results.
• The technique successfully prevents common facelift-associated ear deformities.