You are in: eMedicine Specialties > Plastic Surgery > RHYTIDECTOMY Facelift, CompositeArticle Last Updated: Jun 9, 2006AUTHOR AND EDITOR INFORMATIONSection 1 of 11
  Author: Elizabeth Whitaker, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, Division of Facial Plastic Surgery, Northwest Facial Plastic Surgery Elizabeth Whitaker is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Surgeons, and American Medical Association Editors: David W Furnas, MD, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of California at Irvine; Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine; Jorge I de la Torre, MD, FACS, Professor of Surgery and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Residency Program Director, Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Director, Center for Advanced Surgical Aesthetics; Nicolas (Nick) G Slenkovich, MD, Practice Director, Colorado Plastic Surgery Center at Swedish Medical Center; Al Aly, MD, FACS, Consulting Surgeon, Iowa City Plastic Surgery Author and Editor Disclosure Synonyms and related keywords: facelift, composite facelift, rhytidectomy, deep-plane rhytidectomy, composite rhytidectomy, deep-plane facelift, composite facelift, face-lift, face lift, composite face-lift, SMAS rhytidectomy, superficial musculoaponeurotic system rhytidectomy, mid-face aging, midface aging, midface ptosis, mid-face ptosis, jowling, deepened nasolabial folds, aging changes INTRODUCTIONSection 2 of 11
  Traditional approaches to rhytidectomy, while addressing aging changes to the lower face, are limited by the ability to adequately address aging changes in the mid face. The deep-plane and composite facelift techniques are modifications of traditional rhytidectomy techniques that also address ptosis of the mid face and aging in the melolabial area and lower face. History of the ProcedureRhytidectomy dates to the turn of the 20th century. In its nascent form, rhytidectomy consisted of very limited skin excision and elevation as first performed by Lexer in 1916. Advances in the technique consisted of more extensive undermining in the subcutaneous plane. The next major advance did not occur until 1968 when Skoog developed a subplatysmal dissection in the neck, elevating the skin and platysma as a single unit to effect a more permanent change. Subsequent definition of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) by Mitz and Peyronie in 1976 led to the development of SMAS rhytidectomy techniques, which remain the standard in rhytidectomy procedures. In the last decade, additional rhytidectomy techniques, including deep-plane, composite, and subperiosteal dissections, have been developed. The goal of these more extensive dissections is to address aging of the midface structures and the lower face and neck. The deep-plane rhytidectomy was designed to reposition the malar fat pad, thereby addressing the mid face and nasolabial or melolabial folds. This technique was introduced by Hamra in 1990 and modified further in 1992 to incorporate the orbicularis oculi muscle into the flap, termed the composite rhytidectomy. Modifications of the deep-plane/composite rhytidectomy techniques have since been used and reported by numerous authors. ProblemWhile achieving excellent results in aging changes of the lower face and neck, traditional rhytidectomy techniques are less effective in addressing aging changes of the mid face and melolabial folds. A variety of techniques designed to address this problem area has evolved in the last decade. While SMAS techniques are effective in repositioning the platysma, they have little effect on the nasolabial area. Lateral tension placed on the SMAS does not efface the nasolabial fold and can potentially deepen this structure. Additionally, cheek fat cannot be repositioned adequately by traditional SMAS techniques because it remains tethered by the zygomaticus muscles, which have bony origins. The deep-plane and composite rhytidectomy techniques were designed to address this limitation of SMAS rhytidectomy. A deep subcutaneous plane is developed, separating the malar fat pad from its attachments to the zygomaticus muscles, which is joined with sub-SMAS dissection in the lower face. The result is a composite flap that includes the malar fat pad, which now is mobilized and can be repositioned to restore youthful contour to the malar eminence and soften the melolabial fold. The malar crescent created by ptosis of the orbicularis oculi can also be addressed by composite rhytidectomy techniques. This allows uniform harmonious rejuvenation, particularly when combined with rejuvenation of the upper face, creating a natural appearance as youthful contours are restored to every area of the face. EtiologyAging is a natural phenomenon affecting both the deep and superficial structures of the face. PathophysiologyAging affects both deep and superficial structures, including skin, subcutaneous fat, muscle, and bone. In the face, ptosis of deep anatomic structures contributes to the telltale signs of aging, such as midface ptosis, jowling, and deepened nasolabial folds. While SMAS rhytidectomy techniques address the neck and jawline with excellent results, these techniques are less effective on the mid face. Descent of the malar fat pad results in hollowing in the area of the orbit, loss of malar prominence, and deepening of the nasolabial fold. The deep anatomic structures primarily responsible for aging changes of the mid face and lower face are the orbicularis oculi muscle, the cheek fat of the mid face, and the platysma muscle of the lower face. Ptosis of these structures results in descent of the malar crescent, deepening of the nasolabial fold, and jowling, respectively. By addressing each of these areas, a natural harmonious rejuvenation can be achieved. ClinicalThe preoperative consultation is the foundation of choosing a surgical approach and obtaining a successful result in terms of both technical success and patient satisfaction. Standard preoperative photographs are taken prior to the consultation. A photographic image can be used during the consultation as a communication tool between the surgeon and patient. If using digital imaging systems, care must be taken to show realistically achievable results. A combination of examining the patient in front of a mirror and viewing photographic images allows the patient to highlight areas of concern and allows the surgeon to convey what can be realistically achieved with surgery. The patient must understand the goals of surgery and, as importantly, the limitations of surgery and what surgery cannot accomplish. This is a critical step in ensuring that the patient's concerns are addressed adequately by the surgical procedures chosen and that the patient's expectations are realistic. The entire face must be evaluated carefully. If the patient has significant aging changes in the upper face and lower face, these should be discussed. Rejuvenation focused on only the lower face can result in an unnatural and operated appearance. If appropriate, this should be explained to the patient, and additional rejuvenation procedures that may enhance the overall result should be discussed. The limitations of rhytidectomy should also be addressed. Concerns over fine lines, skin changes, or hyperfunctional facial lines may require procedures such as skin resurfacing, injectable fillers, or BOTOX® treatment. Importantly, the patient must understand that rhytidectomy does not address all of these issues and that other procedures may be more appropriate or used as an adjunct to enhance the results. This interaction between patient and surgeon allows the formulation of a surgical approach focused on addressing the patient's primary concerns in the setting of realistic expectations to achieve a natural, harmonious appearance. A detailed medical history is taken to determine the patient's suitability as a surgical candidate. Any previous history of surgical procedures in the head and neck is documented. Any history of hypertrophic scarring or keloids is elicited. A history of bleeding disorders in the patient or family is important and may warrant a more extensive laboratory workup. Additionally, the medications the patient takes should be documented carefully, and any anticoagulant medications should be discontinued prior to surgery if medically appropriate. Patients should also be questioned about any herbs, vitamins, or supplements they may take because many of these also have anticoagulant effects. Many patients fail to volunteer these as medications unless specifically asked. A routine physical examination is performed. If the patient has any significant medical problems or the history elicits any areas of concern, referral is made for preoperative medical assessment and clearance. INDICATIONSSection 3 of 11
Lower facial rejuvenation can be accomplished by a variety of surgical techniques. Candidates for deep-plane or composite rhytidectomy have aging changes in the mid face and lower face. These include ptosis of the malar fat pad, deepening of the melolabial folds, and development of a malar crescent that may not be addressed adequately by other techniques. RELEVANT ANATOMYSection 4 of 11
Superficial musculoaponeurotic system The SMAS is a fibromuscular layer overlying the parotideomasseteric fascia and investing the mimetic muscles of the face and the platysma. The temporoparietal fascia is analogous to this layer above the level of the zygoma. The superficial layer of the deep fascia splits to envelop the parotid gland. The superficial layer overlying the parotid gland is known as the parotid fascia. The facial nerve branches lie deep to this layer, which continues overlying the masseter muscle as the parotideomasseteric fascia. However, some controversy is present in the literature regarding the relationship of the SMAS to the parotid fascia. As described by Mitz and Peyronie, the SMAS is part of the fascia superficialis and is a layer distinct from the underlying parotid fascia. Other anatomic studies have suggested a more intimate relationship between the SMAS and the parotid fascia. From their dissections, Jost and Levet suggest that the parotid fascia actually represents the SMAS rather than constituting a separate layer. Other authors, such as Stuzin et al and Yousif et al, have described a true parotid fascia underlying but intimately related to the overlying SMAS. Facial musculature The mimetic muscles of the mid and upper face differ in their embryologic development from the muscles of the lower face. The muscles of the lower face, including the platysma, risorius, depressor anguli oris, and posterior auricular muscles, derive from the primitive platysma. The muscles of the mid and upper face derive from the embryonic sphincter colli profundus and, in contrast to muscles of the lower face, have direct bony insertions. Thus, the zygomaticus minor muscle arises from the region of the zygomaticomaxillary suture and passes downward and medial into the orbicularis oris muscle. The zygomaticus major arises further lateral on the zygomatic bone and runs to the angle of the mouth, blending with the orbicularis oris in the region of the modiolus. Freilinger et al described 4 layers of the facial musculature. The superficial layer is composed of the depressor anguli oris, zygomaticus minor, and orbicularis oculi. The depressor labii inferioris, risorius, platysma, zygomaticus major, and levator labii superioris alaeque nasi constitute the second layer. The third layer is composed of the orbicularis oris and levator labii superioris. The mentalis, levator anguli oris, and buccinator constitute the fourth or deep layer. The first 3 layers are superficial to the plane of the facial nerve and therefore receive motor innervation from their deep surfaces. The fourth layer lies deep to the plane of the facial nerve, and these muscles receive their innervation from their superficial surface. Facial nerve Dissection in the deep plane overlying the zygomaticus major muscle can be performed safely because this muscle receives motor innervation from the facial nerve on the deep surface of the muscle. The facial nerve branches innervate most of their respective facial muscles on the deep surface of the muscles. The 3 exceptions are the facial muscles lying deep to the plane of the facial nerve, which receive innervation along their superficial surface: the mentalis, the levator anguli oris, and the buccinator. Although the facial nerve branches are, for the most part, deep to the SMAS-facial muscle layer, the nerve fibers become more superficial medially to innervate the facial muscles. Thus, a deep-plane dissection begins in the sub-SMAS layer and becomes more superficial, overlying the zygomaticus major muscle in a deep subcutaneous plane. This transition allows the dissection to be carried medially to the nasolabial fold without injury to the facial nerve branches. Retaining ligaments The retaining ligaments of the face anchor the skin to the underlying bone, supporting the mid face and maintaining its relative position to the underlying bony structures. Furnas described 4 retaining ligaments supporting the soft tissues of the face. The platysma-auricular ligament and the platysma-cutaneous ligaments are aponeurotic condensations attaching platysma to dermis. Of greater significance are the osseocutaneous ligaments, which serve to support the skin and facial structures against gravitational forces and resultant ptosis. For this reason, the ligaments must be released surgically to allow full mobilization of the facelift flap. The osseocutaneous ligaments are the zygomatic ligament and mandibular ligament. The zygomatic ligaments originate from the zygomatic arch near the body of the zygoma. The malar fat pad overlies the orbicularis oculi, zygomatic, and levator muscles in a plane superficial to the SMAS. The zygomatic retaining ligaments extend through the malar fat pad (McGregor patch), inserting into the overlying dermis and anchoring this structure to the zygomatic eminence. Therefore, this is the key ligament in deep-plane and composite dissections because its release allows complete mobilization of the mid face. The mandibular ligaments originate above the inferior border of the mandibular body, directly below the corner of the mouth. These ligaments serve to tether the parasymphyseal dermis to the underlying mandible, defining the anterior extent of the jowls. Nasolabial or melolabial folds The cutaneous insertion of the zygomatic muscles, levator labii superioris, and levator labii anguli oris defines the nasolabial crease. Lateral to the crease, these muscles have no direct dermal attachments, and a generous layer of subcutaneous fat is present. In contrast, medial to the crease, the skin adheres tightly to the orbicularis oris muscle, with very little subcutaneous fat evident. Thus, the nasolabial fold represents a transition between the skin territories of the cheek and the upper lip. The skin of the upper lip is supported by its attachment to the mimetic musculature against gravitational forces. The skin lateral to the nasolabial fold has no direct attachments to the underlying musculature for similar support. This discrepancy leads to pronounced ptosis of the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the mid face compared to the upper lip, resulting in deepening of the nasolabial fold with age as the cheek mass selectively descends. The anatomic relationship of the SMAS to the nasolabial fold is a subject of some controversy in the literature. In their classic description, Mitz and Peyronie described the SMAS continuing anteriorly into the upper lip, investing the muscular layer. Other authors have debated the continuity of the SMAS in the cheek with the fascia of the upper lip. Barton noted a thin layer of fascia investing the zygomatic muscles extending into the upper lip, but no identifiable subcutaneous extension of the SMAS. Pensler et al described identifying a SMAS layer medial to the nasolabial fold. Yousif et al have suggested this actually represents the "fascial-fatty" layer, which these authors describe as superficial to the SMAS in the cheek and the upper lip. Yousif et al describe anatomic continuity of the SMAS with the superficial layer of the orbicularis oris, suggesting the superficial layer of this muscle represents the SMAS in the upper lip, separate from the overlying fascial layer. Despite these inconsistencies between studies, what is clear is that the SMAS becomes attenuated in the medial aspect of the cheek but appears to continue in the upper lip as investing fascia of the musculature. Lateral traction on the SMAS has been shown to have little effect on the nasolabial fold. Yousif et al have described deepening of the nasolabial fold with lateral traction on the SMAS because this translates to pull on the orbicularis oris medial to the fold. Barton suggests that the anchoring effect of the musculature of the upper lip prevents significant effect on the medial cheek skin by lateral traction on the SMAS. Also, tethering of the SMAS to the bony origins of the mimetic muscles, particularly the zygomaticus major, prevents any significant effect on the nasolabial fold, and these attachments must be released to effectively address this area. Greater auricular nerve The greater auricular nerve is found in the deep cervical fascia of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, posterior to the angle of the mandible. The nerve branches at the anterior border of the muscle. It crosses the sternocleidomastoid muscle 6.5 cm below the caudal edge of the bony external auditory canal and is found just posterior to the external jugular vein. The vein and nerve are deep to the SMAS-platysma layer except where the terminal branches of the nerve pass superficially to innervate the earlobe. This is the most commonly injured nerve in rhytidectomy procedures, and care should be taken in elevation over the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Vascular supply The vascular supply of the composite flap is based on the facial, angular, and inferior orbital arteries. The facial artery supplies the platysma and continues as the angular artery. This communicates with branches of the supratrochlear and infraorbital arteries. As the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and, in the lower face, the SMAS layer, are elevated in continuity in the deep-plane and composite rhytidectomies, the arterial perforators to the overlying skin are preserved. This creates a maximally vascularized flap, which can be repositioned under extraordinary tension without vascular compromise. Complications such as skin slough and necrosis are also less likely to occur. CONTRAINDICATIONSSection 5 of 11
Because rhytidectomy is an elective procedure, relative contraindications include significant medical problems that can potentially increase the surgical risk. Any history of significant bleeding problems or a family history of bleeding problems warrants more extensive preoperative evaluation. Any patient on anticoagulants must be able to stop these medications during the preoperative and postoperative period. Smoking is a relative contraindication for deep-plane or composite rhytidectomy. With deep-plane dissection techniques, a well-vascularized composite flap is developed and skin necrosis or flap loss is a rarity. This technique can be performed successfully in persons who smoke, but the additional risk of postoperative wound complications must be understood and accepted by the patient. Ideally, if the patient is committed to an optimum aesthetic outcome, he or she is compliant with smoking cessation. TREATMENTSection 6 of 11
Surgical TherapyDeep-plane rhytidectomy initially involves a limited subcutaneous elevation. In the lower face, a sub-SMAS dissection is then developed, elevating the skin, subcutaneous fat, and platysma as a unit. In the mid face, a deep subcutaneous plane extends to expose the orbicularis and zygomaticus muscles, freeing the malar fat pad from its deep attachments. In the midface region, the skin, subcutaneous fat, malar fat pad, and platysma are elevated as a unit. Composite rhytidectomy additionally addresses the orbicularis oculi muscle. Through a lower blepharoplasty incision, the orbicularis oculi is elevated off the malar prominence. This frees the muscle of its attachments to the malar eminence, allowing mobilization and repositioning. As originally described, this dissection plane is then connected to the deep-plane dissection by an incision made between the inferior lateral border of the orbicularis oculi and the zygomaticus minor muscle. A distinct division between these muscles is not always present because they lie in the same plane. This maneuver prevents inadvertent elevation of the zygomaticus minor muscle into the composite flap. The inferior aspect of the orbicularis oculi muscle is trimmed, and the muscle is repositioned in a superomedial vector. Hamra has since described the zygorbicular dissection as a modification of the composite rhytidectomy technique. The zygorbicular dissection preserves the attachment of the orbicularis oculi and zygomaticus minor muscles. The suborbicularis oculi dissection is carried under the medial portions of the zygomaticus minor and major muscles, leaving some soft tissue overlying the periosteum. This zygorbicular dissection leaves a bridge of tissue between the suborbicularis dissection and the deep-plane dissection in which the zygomaticus muscles lie. Hamra describes less malar edema and chemosis with this modification. Preoperative DetailsGive patients extensive instructions as to both preoperative and postoperative care. If the patient smokes, instruct him or her to cease using tobacco or any form of nicotine for at least 2 weeks before and after surgery. Patients who are unable to stop smoking are at significantly increased risk of postoperative complications and healing problems. Also instruct patients to avoid any medications, supplements, or herbs with anticoagulant effects for 2 weeks prior to surgery and postoperatively. Multivitamins and high-dose vitamin C supplementation are encouraged. However, high-dose vitamin E supplementation should be avoided due to its potential effect on coagulation. Intraoperative DetailsAs with other rhytidectomy techniques, the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Preoperative doses of an intravenous antibiotic (usually cefazolin [Ancef], unless the patient is allergic to penicillin) and dexamethasone (unless medically contraindicated) are administered. Pull the hair back off the face and secure it. Then mark incision lines. Use local anesthesia to infiltrate the incision lines and the area of dissection in a radial fashion from the preauricular region. If performed in conjunction with upper facial rejuvenation procedures (ie, forehead lift, blepharoplasty), perform these prior to the rhytidectomy procedure. Incision placement varies and depends on technique, patient anatomy and hairline, and surgeon preference. In this description, the temporal incision is marked in a curvilinear fashion, just within the temporal hairline and just superior to the ear. It curves posteriorly to the superior aspect of the helix. This avoids any loss or elevation of the temporal hairline. Then mark the preauricular incision in the natural crease at the junction of the auricle and the face, following the curve of the helical root. The incision can then be either continued in the pretragal crease or carried behind the tragus. The inferior aspect of the incision is located at the junction of the earlobe and cheek. It then curves posteriorly and superiorly into the postauricular area, following the postauricular crease. The incision then curves gently into the occipital hairline at the level of the inferior crus of the antihelix. This occipital incision roughly approximates a line bisecting the angle created by the hairline and a posterior extension of the Frankfort horizontal plane. This incision placement helps prevent a step-off deformity of the posterior hairline. Flap elevation proceeds in a subcutaneous plane in the preauricular and temporal regions. Take care to elevate in a plane deep to the hair follicles to help prevent hair loss. Too deep a plane in the temporal region may place the temporal branch of the facial nerve, which runs in the temporoparietal or superficial temporal fascia, at risk. "Backlighting" the flap can help maintain the proper dissection plane. Elevation continues anteriorly until the lateral aspect of the orbicularis oculi muscle is reached. Then elevate the postauricular portion of the rhytidectomy flap in a subcutaneous plane, again with care to preserve the hair follicles. Carefully elevate the cervical portion of the flap over the sternocleidomastoid muscle to avoid injury to the greater auricular nerve. Anteriorly, identify the posterior border of the platysma muscle and elevate the flap in a preplatysmal plane under direct vision using vertical spreading motions. This allows cauterization or preservation of any perforating vessels. The dissection is limited superiorly by the inferior border of the mandible and inferiorly by the hyoid bone. The preplatysmal plane serves to protect the marginal mandibular nerve as it courses below the mandible. With the rhytidectomy flap elevated, turn attention to the deep-plane dissection. Enter the deep plane via an incision made in the SMAS extending from the junction of the body and the arch of the zygoma to just anterior to the angle of the mandible. Initially, perform dissection just beneath the SMAS, starting just superior to the mandible and continuing superiorly. The parotideomasseteric fascia is left intact just below the dissection plane, protecting the facial nerve branches. The dissection can be performed using either a No. 10 blade or scissors with a vertical spreading action. Dissection continues anteriorly, ending just lateral to the nasolabial fold. Superiorly, the lateral and inferior portions of the orbicularis oculi muscle have already been identified, marking the superolateral aspect of the deep dissection. Identify the fibers of the zygomaticus major slightly deeper and inferior to this, traversing the mid face in an anteroinferior direction. The dissection plane remains superficial to the zygomaticus major muscle and extends inferiorly to the corner of the mouth (modiolus). Sharp division of zygomatico-cutaneous ligaments penetrating the area of the malar fat pad allows full mobilization of the skin and soft tissue, facilitating redraping of the malar fat pad over the malar eminence. The end result of this dissection is a musculocutaneous flap resulting from deep-plane dissection in the mid face and a preplatysmal dissection in the cervical region. If indicated for addressing the submental and cervical regions, make a submental incision measuring approximately 2 cm parallel and just behind the submental crease. This allows excellent scar camouflage without deepening the submental crease. Through this incision, chin augmentation can also be performed if indicated. Carry the dissection through the skin and subcutaneous tissue, identifying the platysma muscle. Then elevate the flap in a preplatysmal plane down to the level of the thyroid cartilage. This central pocket is connected with the bilateral preplatysmal dissection performed in elevating the cervical skin flaps. Cervical lipectomy can be performed under direct vision using this technique, allowing precise sculpting. Grasp the medial edges of the platysma in a clamp and excise the excess. Then suture the medial edges of the platysma muscles together with interrupted buried 3-0 Prolene sutures. At the close of the rhytidectomy procedure, this incision is closed in 2 layers, with a deeply buried subcutaneous layer followed by a vertical mattress skin closure. With all aspects of the dissection complete, turn attention back to redraping the skin and soft tissue. Advance the posterior border of the platysma muscle, bridging the sub-SMAS dissection plane of the mid face and the preplatysmal dissection of the cervical region, and suture this in a posterior superior direction. Redraping of the flap continues superiorly into the mid face. Advance the posterior border of the incised SMAS in a posterior and superior vector, and suture it to the remaining preauricular SMAS layer. Use buried interrupted 3-0 Prolene sutures and place firm tension on the SMAS closure. Usually a total of 5 or 6 sutures is required. This results in some overlap of the SMAS in the preauricular region. If this is excessive or produces significant bulk, some trimming of the SMAS can be performed; however, this is not usually necessary. Redraping of the composite flap in this manner helps restore the malar fat pad to its natural position, restoring the youthful fullness of the malar eminence and thereby rejuvenating the mid and lower face. With the SMAS closure complete under tension, the excess skin already overlaps free of any skin tension. Subcutaneous elevation is extended slightly anteriorly only if any dimpling of the skin is present after reapproximation of the SMAS. The skin is also advanced in a posterior-superior vector. Redraping of the skin closure begins at the ear lobule. Make a stab incision in the anterior skin flap at the level of the lobule, and place tacking suture of 5-0 Prolene. Take care to reposition the lobule in a natural position and avoid inferior displacement, which can result in an operated look. Excise excess temporal and preauricular skin free of any tension. If a posttragal incision is used, thin the skin advanced to overlie the tragus to prevent bulking of the tragal appearance. In the postauricular region, the primary advancement of the flap is in a superior vector, and excess skin is excised with care to reapproximate the posterior hairline, avoiding any step-off. Drains can then be placed bilaterally. Close the hair-bearing portions of the postauricular and temporal incisions with staples. Close the remaining incisions with 5-0 Prolene. Of note, excise excess skin in a tension-free manner so that no significant skin separation occurs prior to suture closure. This minimizes skin tension at closure, allowing optimum healing and minimizing the risk of scar widening and hypertrophy. With the composite rhytidectomy, the orbicularis oculi muscle is elevated off the periosteum of the malar eminence through a lower blepharoplasty subciliary incision. The inferior margin of the orbicularis oculi muscle can be excised off the flap. After closure of the facelift portion of the dissection, suture the orbicularis oculi muscle to the periosteum of the lateral orbital rim in a superomedial vector. The approach to dressings and drains varies among surgeons. Some use drains or dressings only, and some use both. In the described approach, antibiotic ointment is placed over the incisions, followed by a nonadherent dressing. A soft cotton pressure dressing is then placed and wrapped with 3-inch Kling gauze dressing. Drains are placed on bulb suction and are usually removed on postoperative day 1. If the procedure is performed under general anesthesia, manual pressure is held on the dressing until the patient is extubated; this helps minimize any possibility of hematoma formation. Postoperative DetailsWhen used, drains are left in overnight. Take down the dressing and remove the drains on the first postoperative day. Then place a lighter dressing. Carefully instruct patients to engage in only minimal activity. Strenuous activity must be avoided for at least 2-3 weeks after the surgery. Any medications or herbs with anticoagulant effects also must be avoided. Provide patients with appropriate analgesic medications. Patients remain on antibiotics for approximately 7 days. Follow-upIf permanent preauricular sutures are used, remove them early, after 3-5 postoperative days. The area of the incision can then be reinforced with adhesive and paper tape. Remove postauricular sutures and staples after 7 postoperative days. These incisions can be taped similarly. The tape can be left in place for 1-2 weeks. Observe patients closely in the initial postoperative period to monitor for any signs of hematoma formation or infection. The incisions are also monitored over time. If any evidence of hypertrophic scar formation is found, triamcinolone (Kenalog) injections of the scar can be initiated. COMPLICATIONSSection 7 of 11
Hematoma Hematoma is the most common complication of rhytidectomy, occurring in as many as 15% of facelift patients. Most hematomas are small, inconsequential collections, which may resolve of their own accord. More discrete collections may require aspiration. In contrast, large, expanding hematomas are emergencies that require imminent drainage. Fortunately, these are much less common, occurring with at an incidence rate varying from 0.9-8% in the literature. These usually occur in the first 6-8 hours after surgery, with signs and symptoms including pain, swelling, and ecchymosis. The dressing should be removed immediately, and the patient should be taken to the operating room to evacuate the hematoma and explore the wound. If any significant time delay occurs before operating room access is possible, then the incision should be opened at the bedside and the clot should be removed to avoid compromising flap viability. The wound can then be explored subsequently when conditions permit. Studies suggest that postoperative bleeding is a greater risk in male patients than in female patients. Baker suggests this may be due to the increased vascularity of the beard. Other studies have found increased risk of hematoma formation with postoperative hypertension. Therefore, adequate pain control in the postoperative period is important. With deep-plane dissections, hematoma formation may be less frequent due to the thickness of the flap, the minimal subcutaneous undermining, and the tension placed on the flap with closure. Infection The incidence rate of wound infection with rhytidectomy is low (generally <1%) due to the excellent blood supply of the head and neck. The predominant organisms causing infections are staphylococcal species. When wound infections occur, they should be treated promptly with antibiotics and with drainage and wound care if indicated. Skin necrosis Due to the excellent vascularity of the composite flap, the risk of skin loss is lessened with this technique. However, wound healing problems are significantly more common in patients who smoke, and vascular compromise of the flap is possible. Unrecognized hematoma can also predispose to skin necrosis. Skin slough is generally managed conservatively with debridement and moist or occlusive dressings. The wound is allowed to heal by secondary intention. Scar revision can then be performed at a later date if indicated. Nerve injury Rates of facial motor nerve injury vary in the literature from 0-3.3%. In a review of 6551 rhytidectomy procedures, Baker and Conley found a 0.7% incidence of facial nerve injury, with most being temporary and resolving in 6 months. The incidence of permanent injury was 0.1%. Sensory nerve injuries were more common, with injury to the greater auricular nerve reported at a frequency rate of as high as 7%. Alopecia Temporary alopecia is more common than permanent alopecia. It may result from excessive tension on the suture line, and recovery generally occurs over weeks to 6 months. If alopecia is permanent, it can be corrected with local flaps, micrografts, or minigrafts. Scarring Hypertrophic scarring occurs most commonly in the postauricular area or in areas of skin slough. True keloids are rare. Predisposing factors for hypertrophic scarring or keloids include ethnicity, skin type, and family history. Excess tension on suture lines should be avoided because this may predispose to widened or hypertrophic scars. Intralesional steroid injections, frequently serial, can result in significant improvement in hypertrophic scars. Topical silicone therapy has also been described as a treatment. OUTCOME AND PROGNOSISSection 8 of 11
Deep-plane and composite rhytidectomy techniques can produce excellent results in aging changes in both the lower face and mid face. However, postoperative edema, particularly in the midface region, is more prolonged with this technique, and patients should be cautioned of this. Deep-plane and composite rhytidectomy techniques create a harmonious rejuvenation, particularly when combined with rejuvenation of the upper face, creating a natural appearance as youthful contours are restored to every area of the face. FUTURE AND CONTROVERSIESSection 9 of 11
Debate is found in the literature about the advantage of deep-plane techniques over more conservative rhytidectomy techniques in long-term results and outcome. Discussion is also ongoing about potential increased risk of facial nerve injury with deep-plane dissections. The proponents of deep-plane techniques have demonstrated excellent long-term outcomes, with complication rates comparable to those of other techniques in the literature. Subperiosteal techniques have also been developed to address the problem of midface ptosis and the melolabial fold. These techniques elevate the periosteum off the zygomatic arch and anterior face of the maxilla to reposition the skin, malar fat, fascia, muscle, and periosteum. While improving the mid face, this technique alone does not address skin and soft tissue laxity of the lower face and neck. MULTIMEDIASection 10 of 11
REFERENCESSection 11 of 11
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