[Neural risk zones in rhytidectomy]

During the last decades the treatment of the ageing face has evolved from a mere action at the skin level, towards an additional correction of the ptosis of the underlying soft tissues, and procedures involving the bony-cartilaginous framework. Any new rhytidectomy technique with deep undermining should be examined with regard to high risk areas. The areas of risk relate to the branches of the facial nerve and to sensory innervation. These are described on the basis of the current literature, clinical observations and cadaver dissections. The expected improvement in results by the use of techniques with deep dissection compensate for the longer surgery and the increased stress to the patient whenever the risk areas are respected.