The Extended Purse-String Rhytidectomy

Abstract

AbstractFacelifts remain a critical part of a facial plastic surgeon's cosmetic practice. Techniques continue to evolve, while at the same time patients demand less invasive procedures with less morbidity. The authors present a facelift plication technique using wide purse-string sutures placed into the superficial musculoaponeurotic system and platysma. This is a retrospective review with a level of evidence 3 set at a medical spa and tertiary referral center designed to assess a purse-string suture technique using an inner followed by an outer purse-string, with refinements being made during the timeframe of the review. One hundred and eighteen patients were reviewed and 95 were included in the study given the inclusion criteria of a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Based on the subjective judgment of the primary surgeon, 37 patients were found to have excellent results, while 43 patients were judged as having good results. The judgment was based on the physical exam improvement of the aging aspects of the patient, and patient satisfaction. Ten patients displayed fair results (the patients were marginally happy), and five patients were noted to have poor results (they were notably unhappy). Complications included eight hematomas, five patients with prominent scars, and one patient with skin loss in the temple region. There were no cases of facial nerve injury. The extended purse-string rhytidectomy is a good alternative to traditional facelift techniques. This offers a plication method that results in the vertical vector that is now considered of paramount importance with all facelifts. The authors feel that it is a valuable tool that can be considered in most patients presenting for aging face surgery.