title: Ultrasonically assisted face-lift.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The face-lift procedure is one of the most skillful interventions performed by plastic surgeons. Ultrasonic energy is used to elevate the facial skin flap, which allows for preservation of vascular, lymphatic, and nervous structures, thereby decreasing the morbidity associated with this procedure.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective study to compare the outcomes of ultrasound and non-ultrasound-assisted face-lifts is reported. All the procedures were performed at the Institute for Plastic Surgery. Each group consisted of 104 patients. Statistical analysis was performed to determine differences between the groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean operating time was 4 h in the treatment group versus 4.2 h in the control group (p>0.05). The incidence of hematoma formation was 0.96% in the treatment group versus 2.4% in the control group (p<0.05). The incidence of flap necrosis was 0% in both groups. The duration of ecchymosis was 13 days in the experimental group versus 17.2 days in the control group (p<0.05). The duration of postoperative swelling was 17.4 days in the treatment group versus 20.4 days in the control group (p<0.05). As reported, 85% of patients in the treatment group were very satisfied, 14.42% were satisfied, 0% were mildly satisfied, and 0% were not satisfied. In the control group, 80.7% were very satisfied, 18.26% were satisfied, 0.96% were mildly satisfied, and 0% were not satisfied. According to Fisher's exact test, the p value for patient satisfaction exceeded 0.05%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The preservation of the blood and lymphatic vessels diminishes postoperative swelling and shortens the duration of ecchymosis considerably. The incidence of hematoma formation is lower than with a non-ultrasonic face-lift. This study failed to prove any statistically significant difference in operating time or patient satisfaction between the two groups.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Plastic Surgery, Vialidad de la Barranca S/N, 52763, Huixquilucan, Estado de Mexico, Mexico. abeldelapena@plasticsurgery.com.mx
authors.forename: Jose Abel
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: de la Peña
authors.forename: Miguel Angel
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Soto-Miranda
authors.forename: José Fernando
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: López-Salguero
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D059708:Ultrasonic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*