Review of 1,000 consecutive short-scar rhytidectomies.
BACKGROUND
Short-scar rhytidectomies offer patients with mild to moderate facial aging an alternative to traditional face-lift surgery. Advantages of decreased recovery time, diminished risk, and decreased cost make this an attractive procedure to add to a cosmetic surgery practice.


METHODS
This study is a review of 1,000 consecutive short-scar rhytidectomies performed over 36 months with at least 6 months of follow-up. All patients underwent short-scar rhytidectomy with SMAS suspension. Outcome parameters examined included complications or adverse events and any interventions necessary.


RESULTS
The most common complication was suture extrusion, observed in 148 patients (14.8%). Ten patients had hematomas (1%), while postauricular nodules were observed in 8 patients (0.8%). Eight patients (0.8%) required liposuction under local anesthesia to address asymmetry due to under removal of fat in the submental region. Revision rhytidectomy was required in 5 patients (0.5%). Five patients (0.5%) had hypertrophic scarring, while 1 patient (0.1%) developed hyperpigmentation. There were no cases of nerve injury, infection, skin flap necrosis, skin puckering or depression, hair loss, or parotid injury.


CONCLUSIONS
Short-scar rhytidectomy is an excellent procedure for good candidates with mild to moderate aging of the face. It has a very low complication rate and can be done safely in an office environment.
Tanna
Neil
N
Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA. ntanna@gwu.edu
Lindsey
William H
WH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012060:Rejuvenation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D015595:Skin Aging; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013997:Time Factors