title: Cervicofacial rhytidectomy without notorious scars: experience of 29 years.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Presentation and evaluation of results of the surgical technique of cervicofacial rhytidectomy used by the senior author (F.P.), using the classification of facial aging to determine the stage of pre- and postsurgical age.
  
  
  METHODS
  The surgical technique was used in 1,181 patients operated on in the past 29 years, starting in 1983. We analyzed retrospectively 318 patients operated on between the years 2001 and 2008, of whom 71 patients met the selection criteria. Postoperative follow-up period was from 6 months to 5 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All patients in stage I showed clinically visible rejuvenation postoperatively. Significant improvement in facial rejuvenation in stages II and III of aging was shown, with a postoperative change of stage.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The technique of cervicofacial rhytidectomy with short flap, facial superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) imbrication, cervical SMAS plication, inconspicuous incisions, and postauricular z-plasty allows for successful and sustainable results over time, with short recovery time and minimal complications. The classification of facial aging pre- and postsurgery has been useful for the assessment of surgical results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Facial Plastic Surgery, CES University, La Font Clinic, Bogotá, Colombia. fpedroza@lafont.com.co
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pedroza
authors.forename: Luis Fernando
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Pedroza
authors.forename: Ernesto Dario
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Desio
authors.forename: Velia Elena
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: Revelli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002965:Classification; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000601:surgery; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015187:Lipectomy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D060052:Nasolabial Fold / Q000502:physiology; D009333:Neck / Q000601:surgery*; D012060:Rejuvenation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D015595:Skin Aging