Limited Delamination Modifications to the Extended Deep Plane Rhytidectomy: An Anatomical Basis for Improved Outcomes

Background: This study introduces variations of a limited delamination approach to the deep plane face- and necklift. Objectives: To report surgeons' perceptions of limited delamination deep plane rhytidectomy, define the anatomical basis to support these modifications, and report complication rates. Methods: This retrospective multi-institutional chart review study of patients undergoing a modified classical deep plane face- and necklift. Surgeons' perception of outcomes and self-reported complications were collected. Results: In total, 3964 patients having undergone face- and necklift with six surgeons being included. Most patients were female (87.9%) with an age range of 31-83 years (mean 58 years). Most were primary procedures (2672/3964; 67.4%) with a median follow-up of 425 days (range 21-5470). Preliminary surgeon experience demonstrated increased ease of flap management, improved biomechanics, smaller perceived rates of skin discoloration, and telangiectasia of the skin and lower revisions rate (n = 11; 0.8%). Complication rates were low for hematoma (n = 24; 1.9%) and seroma requiring needle aspiration (n = 26; 2%) and minor infection (n = 18; 1.4%). Conclusions: A multicenter surgeon experience with the limited delamination extended deep plane rhytidectomy is based on anatomical evidence and demonstrates low complication rates and surgeon-perceived improved long-term outcomes. Prospective comparative outcomes of these evolving techniques are warranted.