Volumetric facelift: Evaluation of rhytidectomy with alloplastic augmentation

Objectives: Facial aging occurs as a result of soft tissue atrophy and resorption of the bony skeleton, which results in a loss of soft tissue volume and laxity of the overlying skin. Volumetric augmentation is a key component of facial rejuvenation surgery, and should be considered of equal importance to soft tissue lifting. Augmentation can be accomplished with synthetic fillers, autologous grafts, soft tissue repositioning techniques, and/or alloplastic implants. Only alloplastic implants, however, provide truly long-term volumetric correction. To date, there have been no large series dealing with the complications and results of implantation performed concurrently with rhytidectomy, which we have termed volumetric rhytidectomy. We present our experience with 100 patients treated with a combination of malar and chin implants and rhytidectomy, compared to 200 patients who underwent rhytidectomy alone. Methods: The authors performed a retrospective review of patients treated with a combination of silicone malar and chin augmentation with rhytidectomy versus patients treated with rhytidectomy alone. Both groups of patients underwent close postoperative evaluation at 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month. All patients were surveyed at 6 months to assess aesthetic satisfaction. Complication rates were noted and tabulated. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate for any differences in the two groups. Results: Between 2002 and 2006, 100 patients underwent malar and chin implantation along with rhytidectomy; 200 patients underwent rhytidectomy alone. In the first group, there were a total of 6 cases in which implant removal was necessary, and 2 cases in which revision was required. There were no statistically significant differences (p \u3c 0.05) observed between the two groups with respect to major or minor hematoma, seroma, infection, sensory nerve injury, facial nerve injury, hypertrophic scarring, dehiscence, skin sloughing, or revision. Conclusions: Volumetric rhytidectomy reliably augments the malar and mental areas, allows for subtle skeletal contouring, and results in successful rejuvenation. Rhytidectomy is relatively safe to perform concurrently with silicone augmentation, and does not result in an increased complication rate as compared to rhytidectomy alone. © 2010 Annals Publishing Company. All rights reserved

The S-Plus lift: a short-scar, long-flap rhytidectomy

INTRODUCTION: As rhytidectomy is one of the most elective surgical procedures, there is a strong trend toward less aggressive operative techniques. The authors introduce the S-Plus lift, a \u27long flap\u27 superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS) imbrication technique that diminishes risks, decreases recovery time, and yields long-lasting results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This paper describes a novel approach to mid-facial rejuvenation that combines the limited incision of an S-lift with two SMASectomies, purse-string suture imbrication of the extended supraplatysmal plane (ESP) and SMAS, and malar soft tissue suspension. SMAS excisions are performed pre-auricularly, and in the region overlying the anterior edge of the parotid gland. Purse-string imbrication sutures are designed to close the SMAS defects, pull the soft tissues of the neck upward, pull the jowl and lower face posteriorly and superiorly, and tighten the platysma. Ancillary purse-string suture lifts the malar fat pad and cheek soft tissues vertically, which achieves mid-face fullness and lifting. Compared to S-lift, the technique extends its efficacy in those patients who have moderate-to-severe mid-facial laxity, prominent nasolabial folds, and platysma redundancy. RESULTS: A review of 144 consecutive S-Plus lifts performed by a single surgeon (SBH), with at least 6 months of follow-up, was performed. Over a 3-year period, 130 (90.3%) females and 14 (9.7%) males underwent S-Plus lift. S-Plus lift as primary rhytidectomy was performed in 132 (91.7%) and as secondary in 12 (8.3%) cases. Complication rate was low and comparable with other techniques of rhytidectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The S-Plus lift is a novel, hybrid technique with pleasing results, short down-time, and high patient satisfaction rate. The technique combines two SMASectomies with purse-string suture imbrication of the ESP and SMAS, and malar fat suture suspension