Prevention of seromas and hematomas after face-lift surgery with the use of postoperative vacuum drains.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the rate of hematoma and seroma formation in a series of rhytidectomies performed with and without the use of intrawound vacuum drains.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review of 222 consecutive face-lifts performed by a single surgeon using an identical surgical technique before and after the use of vacuum wound drains. The patients were divided into 2 groups of 111 patients each. Group 1 patients underwent surgery without drains, while group 2 patients had suction drains placed at the time of surgery.


METHODS
The occurrence of seromas and hematomas within the first 24 hours after surgery.


RESULTS
In group 1, 41 patients (37%) developed seromas and 9 (8%) developed hematomas; the hematomas were small and were treated by aspiration alone. In group 2, 17 patients (15%) developed seromas and 8 (7%) developed hematomas. The decrease in the rate of seroma occurrence was statistically significant, while the decrease in hematoma formation did not reach statistical significance.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of intrawound vacuum drains during the first 24 hours after surgery significantly decreases the rate of seroma formation. The occurrence of hematomas is also reduced, but less dramatically.
Perkins
S W
SW
Meridian Facial Plastic Surgery Center, Indianapolis, Ind., USA.
Williams
J D
JD
Macdonald
K
K
Robinson
E B
EB
D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D005145:Face; D006406:Hematoma / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D009333:Neck; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D013396:Suction / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods