The RSVP Facelift: A Highly Vascular Flap Permitting Safe, Simultaneous, Comprehensive Facial Rejuvenation in One Operative Setting

This study describes our effort to develop a reliably safe method for combining currently available treatment modalities in an effort to obtain comprehensive facial rejuvenation in one operative setting. Detailed evaluation of 101 available consecutive patients, their per- and postoperative photos and charts was undertaken. Five groups of patients were studied: (1) traditional facelift with wide subcutaneous undermining and SMAS plication. (2) Similar traditional facelift with regional laser resurfacing. (3) RSVP (rejuvenation with sparing of vascular perforators) facelift. Subcutaneous undermining stops 3 cm lateral to the nasolabial fold to preserve the rich angular/facial arterial supply and venous drainage, still permitting lateral SMASectomy or SMAS plication. Subcutaneous neck undermining is discontinuous, the posterior dissection being limited to that which is necessary for identification of the posterior edge of the platysma and its plication to the mastoid and SCM muscle. The anterior dissection is limited to that necessary for anterior platysmal repair leaving intact a vertical subcutaneous non-undermined zone 4–6 cm in width, preserving the submental perforating artery. If indicated, gentle liposuction with a fine cannula is performed through this area. (4) RSVP facelift and regional laser resurfacing. (5) RSVP facelift with total facial laser resurfacing. Mean follow-up was 13.6 months, minimum 6 months. There were no additional major complications associated with the addition of laser resurfacing or fat grafting to the RSVP group. The patients with laser resurfacing were pleased with their result, and estimated that their apparent age had been reduced by a mean of 10.4 years, compared with 6.6 years for the non-lased group. We conclude that the RSVP flap is a hardy, vascular flap permitting simultaneous laser resurfacing, fat grafting, and other adjunctive procedures without significant fear of flap loss.     

Surgical anatomy of the midface as applied to facial rejuvenation

Distinct anatomic structures provide attachments and support for the soft tissues of the central third of the face. Over time, laxity of these structures and descent of the malar fat pad contribute to the characteristic changes seen in the aging face. Mobilization of the midface soft tissues to allow reelevation of the malar fat pad is an effective method of rejuvenating the midface. A focused anatomic dissection of 8 fresh cadaver heads was performed to evaluate 4 soft-tissue structures that control mobilization of the malar fat pad. Specifically, the orbicularis retaining ligaments, the lateral orbital thickening, prezygomatic space, and zygomatic cutaneous ligaments were evaluated. The anatomic relationship of these structures explains the visible effect of aging in the central third of the face. In addition, it correlates with the outcomes of surgical rejuvenation as demonstrated in clinical cases. Effective repositioning of the malar fat pad was found to be reliably obtained by release of the lateral orbital thickening and the orbital retaining ligaments. Suspension of the malar soft tissue is in a cephalad direction after release of these structures recreates a youthful facial architecture. Motor nerve injury is less likely to occur with this technique than with traditional lateral facelift approaches. The conclusion reached is that ptosis of the malar fat pad can be corrected safely and effectively utilizing either the lower lid blepharoplasty approach or temporal prehairline incision. These findings were consistent with clinical data from facial rejuvenation procedures.     

Minimal incision facelift

Many procedures have been developed in an attempt to improve facial ptosis. These have ranged from subcutaneous dissections with skin excision to deeper dissections focused on supporting the superficial musculoaponeurotic system and even the periosteal layer. These deeper dissections, although theoretically giving better and longer lasting results, also carry an increased risk of complications. This article describes a new facelift technique that minimizes complications while maximizing cosmetic results (especially in the neck and jowl areas) and patients' comfort and satisfaction. Aesthetic results (as determined by pre- and postoperative photographs) and complications of 35 consecutive patients undergoing both traditional rhytidectomy and minimal incision facelift are compared. The minimal incision facelift technique has shown improved cosmetic results and a decreased complication rate compared with traditional rhytidectomy and is a safe and very effective technique for the treatment of facial ptosis.     

Extended superficial musculaponeurotic system dissection and composite rhytidectomy

The composite facelift represents a comprehensive technique for facial rejuvenation with tissue repositioning of essentially every deep structure of the aging face, addressing the neck, lower face, mid face/lower eyelid junction, and forehead. The superior lateral vector of the lower face is "balanced" with a superior medial vector of the cheek and lower eyelid region. Patients who have stigmata of a previous facelift, such as the lateral sweep and hollow eyes, may be corrected with the composite facelift. The composite facelift is distinguished from all other facelift procedures in the unique "balance" of facelift vectors, yielding a natural and complete facial rejuvenation.     

The S-Lift Facelift Featuring the U-Suture and O-Suture Combined with Skin Resurfacing

BACKGROUND: A short-flap S-lift may be helpful for minor jowling or submental laxity in cases of early facial ptosis, revision facelifts, or where skin resurfacing is combined with neck lifting. OBJECTIVE: To develop a safe and effective method to lift the jowl either as a single procedure or combined with other rejuvenation methods. METHODS: After the induction of monitored anesthesia care the skin resurfacing is completed, if necessary, and the submental and lateral S-lift incisions are marked next to the tragus. The submental area is hydrodissected with modified tumescent solution. After a 15-minute waiting period, the submental area is debulked with small spatula cannulas using reduced pressure liposuction. Often the platysma bands are tied together with a running locked suture. The right cheek area is hydrodissected and debulked in a similar fashion. A 3-4 cm flap is elevated. If necessary, further blunt dissection is passed through the anterior mandible ligament and the nasolabial fold. Care is taken to keep the skin trabeculae intact. The SMAS is plicated with a U-shaped and O-shaped purse-string suture. Following this tightening of the subcutaneous tissue, the skin is closed with a double-layer closure. The face is dressed in two layers of tube gauze. Sutures are removed in 7-9 days. RESULTS: This S-lift gives a pleasing rejuvenation of the jowl and submental area. It is also possible to combine this procedure with other procedures such as corset platysmaplasty, skin resurfacing, fat augmentation, a browlift, or blepharoplasty. CONCLUSION: The S-lift provides a safe and effective method for rejuvenation of the early sagging face or for revision facelift.     

Midfacial effects of the deep-plane facelift

Rejuvenation of the midface is a challenge in facial plastic surgery. To this end, several techniques have been developed to address the changes seen in the midface with aging. Specifically, ptosis of the malar fat pad and deepening of the nasolabial fold contribute to the aesthetic changes that characterize midfacial aging. The history of modern facelifts and deep-plane facelift techniques to correct the nasolabial fold are presented.     

Subperiosteal deep plane rhytidectomy: the composite midface lift

Techniques for facial rejuvenation have long involved specific remedies for each facial segment affected by the aging process. Traditional facial rejuvenation techniques have addressed the anterior neck and platysma complex as well as the acquired jaw deformity. These techniques often left the nasolabial complex and the "infraorbital hollow" un-addressed. Modern techniques, including the composite rhytidectomy, the subperiosteal midface lift, and the deep-plane and the triplane rhytidectomy, have contributed to redefining the challenge of correcting the problem of the orbicularis-malar soft tissue complex descent and as such focus on a particular segment of the facial rejuvenation. This evolution of the facelift demonstrates that one size does not fit all and that surgeons should consider their rejuvenations to be not a generic facelift but a midface, lower face, and neck lift. This concept has evolved into our appreciation of distinct surgical zones. This is especially important in males, and adjunctive techniques such as the ones we describe may add benefit and enhance the final result in male patients. As discussed, the male anatomy, because of its increased surface area and weight, is more difficult to gain leverage with in rejuvenation procedures. The author describes his preferred technique for facial rejuvenation in males, the subperiosteal deep plane rhytidectomy (SPDPR), which combines a deep plane rhytidectomy with a subperiosteal dissection. Although combining subperiosteal "release" of midfacial anatomy has been reviewed by other authors, the combination of subperiosteal release and deep-plane rhytidectomy has not been previously reported or advocated. The operative technique, complications, and results of this combined technique are reviewed. The procedure as described is used as an isolated procedure for midfacial descent as well as an incorporated technique when completing a "full" rhytidectomy.     

The third suture in MACS-lifting: making midface-lifting simple and safe.

BACKGROUND: The minimal access cranial suspension (MACS)-lift is a short scar rhytidectomy with vertical purse string suture suspension of the facial tissues. It exists in a simple and extended version. The simple MACS-lift achieves a vertical lifting of neck and lower half of the face with two purse string sutures. The action of a third, malar suture gives additional correction of the middle third of the face, and results in the extended MACS-lift. OBJECTIVE: To draw attention to the power and advantages of the 'third' malar suture in the extended MACS-lift in achieving volumetric restoration of the midface, softening of the nasolabial fold and enhancing support of the lower eyelid. METHODS: The core principle of this technique is the use of strong purse string sutures in a pure antigravitational direction for correction of the ageing neck and lower two-thirds of the face. In a simple MACS-lift the neck is corrected by a first narrow vertical purse-string suture. The volume of jowls and cheeks is repositioned in a cranial direction with a second, slightly oblique purse string suture. To achieve better control over the midface an extended MACS-lift is performed by adding a third malar vertical purse string suture between the paracanthal area and the malar fat pad. RESULTS: 557 MACS-lift procedures have been performed by the two senior authors, of which 183 were simple and 374 extended. A retrospective review of this technique revealed high patient satisfaction, only one major complication and a minor complication rate of 6%. Both versions of the technique deliver a vertical vector correction of sagged facial features. The third suture restores the volume of the midface and malar mound and provides strong support of the lower eyelid. CONCLUSIONS: The third suture in the MACS-lift short scar rhytidectomy produces a natural midface lifting through a short scar, with adequate softening of the nasolabial fold and good support of the lower eyelid.     

Alternative management of the aging jawline and neck

The lower third of the face and neck have distinct changes that occur with aging. These changes can be globally and dramatically addressed with a traditional rhytidectomy. However, as the demographics of facial plastic surgery patients evolve, patients seek increasingly less invasive procedures that will result in faster recovery time and less postoperative morbidity. To accommodate this change, today's facial plastic surgeon must include less invasive procedures in the treatment strategies for the lower face and neck. Correct, patient-specific procedure selection and patient education can yield results similar to those of a traditional facelift. This article discusses options available for treatment of the lower face and neck.     

Deep plane cervicofacial flap: a useful and versatile technique in head and neck surgery

BACKGROUND: Large oncosurgical defects of the cheek present a challenging reconstructive problem, especially when skin resections are combined with other procedures such as parotidectomy and/or neck dissection. METHODS: We present our experience with the deep plane cervicofacial flap (DPCFF) for reconstructing zone 1 (n=7), zone 2 (n=6), and zone 3 (n=5) cheek defects resulting from excision of primary cutaneous malignancies (n=13) and metastatic parotid (n=6) and/or neck (n=4) disease with skin involvement. The patients were between 65 and 88 years of age (mean, 76.7 years). The design of the flap was determined by the location of the defect and the need for simultaneous parotidectomy and/or neck dissection. Sixteen flaps were anteriorly based, whereas two were posteriorly based. RESULTS: Twelve patients underwent simultaneous parotidectomy (n=11) and/or neck dissection (n=10) and/or facial reanimation procedures (n=6). The size of the cutaneous defects ranged from 4 x 4 to 10 x 10 (mean, 5.6 x 5.3) cm. Eight patients received postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy to the primary site and/or parotid bed and neck. Superficial marginal flap necrosis occurred in one of the three patients who received definitive radiotherapy before salvage surgery and repair with DPCFF. Other complications included one hematoma, one ectropion, and one retraction of the lower eyelid. Apart from mild facial contour deficiency in two patients, excellent functional and cosmetic outcome with good skin color and texture match were achieved in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: The DPCFF is a versatile reconstructive technique in head and neck surgery. It provides a simple solution for a variety of cheek defects as an excellent alternative to regional or free tissue transfer. It can be used when simultaneous parotidectomy and/or neck dissection and/or facial reanimation procedures are required. This composite musculo-fascio-cutaneous unit is reliable with excellent vascularity, because it has an axial blood supply. Division of the facial suspensory ligaments during elevation of the flap in the sub-superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS) plane increases the mobility of this flap, which facilitates transfer.     

New perspectives in facial contouring using external ultrasonography.

The use of XUAL ultrasonic energy to "fractionate" and redistribute facial fat is a valuable adjunct in facial plastic surgery. The 59 patients enrolled in the author's preliminary evaluation of XUAL under the auspices of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Innovative Procedures Committee had in addition to the body liposculpture external ultrasonography application to "superwet" anesthetized face and neck with or without physical removal of fat or skin. When no excisions or liposuctioning were performed, there was visible and photographic improvement in facial contouring. Interview comments ranged from "I can see my cheek bones now" to questions as to whether or not a facelift had indeed been performed. Individuals who had submental resculpturing ("submental tuck") or simple "safe zone" liposuction in the submental area, jowl, and nasolabial zones also showed a remarkable degree of skin tightening and contouring beyond the area of actual fat removal. Those individuals who have been observed closely for more than 12 months still have the improvement. Redistribution of fat and skin tightening initially noted between the second and eighth weeks have persisted unchanged, often in spite of fat accumulation elsewhere from weight gain.     

现代面部除皱术的面神经解剖学研究

目的明确ＳＭＡＳ与面神经的关系。方法对１２具（２４侧）成人尸头行大体解剖观察。结果ＳＭＡＳ分布于面中部,向前逐渐变薄,于口角水平外侧有小范围的“洞区”。面神经出腮腺后,并非在ＳＭＡＳ深面,而是在咬肌筋膜深面走行。面神经额支在颧弓以下０５ｃｍ区域穿出深筋膜,跨过颧弓。在颊脂肪垫区,大部分面神经分支走行在垫内,小部分分支形成面神经丛,分布于其表面。在颧大肌表面上１／３恒定有一颧支跨过,支配眼轮匝肌下外侧９例（占３７５％）;颧大、小肌及眼轮匝肌８例（占３３３％）;颧大、小肌７例（占２９２％）。结论面部多层次剥离除皱术应在颧弓以下０５ｃｍ区域行ＳＭＡＳ下剥离,至面中部时,应注意保护颧大肌表面上１／３段的面神经颧支,只在颧大肌中下２／３段区域进行剥离,向内掀起颧脂肪垫;或通过下睑缘皮肤切口,向下掀起眼轮匝肌（注意保护位于颧大肌上１／３段的面神经颧支）,与经耳前ＳＭＡＳ下剥离腔隙连通,如上操作可避免面神经损伤。     

Anatomical study of the blood supply to the skin in rhytidectomy

This study was undertaken to evaluate the blood supply to the facelift flap by identifying the perforating arteries in the anterior facial region, which is preserved during the undermining of the flap. We have called this medial zone the pedicle area of the flap. Eleven pairs of musculocutaneous perforator arteries supplying the facelift flap were identified, all of them emerging from three main arterial trunks: the facial, the superficial temporal, and the ophthalmic arteries. A rich anastomotic network connected all the vessels; however, we were able to group this network into five basic forms including the ipsilateral and contralateral external and internal carotid arteries. We found these anastomotic links to be constant. We propose that this anatomical feature of the face provides for adequate blood supply even when certain regions have been altered by previous dissection, injury, or congenital deformity. This study confirms previous anatomical findings but also adds specific information regarding the blood supply to the facelift flap that will allow this procedure to be carried out with maximum safety and effectiveness.     

Jawline Refinement in Face Lifting: The Five Zones and the Five-Step Technique✰

Facial aging changes due to increased skin laxity as well as soft tissue atrophy and decent lead to blunting and distortion of previously well-defined zones of the face and neck. A critical component of re-establishing a youthful appearance during facelift and neck lift surgery is restoring a well-defined mandibular contour. Key principles of jawline refinement include the addition of volume to deficient areas and removal of volume in areas of unwanted fullness to re-establish facial harmony in the lower face and neck. In this article, we describe a novel classification of jawline zones and discuss our stepwise surgical approach to aid in the systematic evaluation and surgical treatment of the jawline.     

现代面中除皱术的面神经解剖学研究

目的 明确ＳＭＡＳ与面神经的关系。方法 对１２具（２４例）成人尸头行大体解剖观察。结果 ＳＭＡＳ分布于面中部,向前逐渐变薄,于口角水平外侧水小范围的“洞区”。面神经出腮腺后,并非在ＳＭＡＳ深面。而是在咬肌筋膜深面走行。面神经额支在颧弓以下０．５ｃｍ区域穿出深筋膜,跨过颧弓。在颊脂肪垫区,大部分神经分支走行在垫内,小部分分支形成面神经丛,分布于其表面。在颧大肌表面上１／３恒定有一颧支跨过,支配眼轮匝     

Endoscopic full facelift

This article demonstrates the efficacy of endoscopic techniques in total facial rejuvenation. The author has introduced the total subperiosteal dissection to the endoscopic forehead lift. This concept has been extended to the rejuvenation of the central and lower third of the face. Patients up to the late 40s can have a total facelift without skin excisions. In older patients, the introduction of endoscopic techniques helps to minimize some of the undesirable sequelae of the traditional open procedures such as alopecia, scalp paresthesias, and facial edema of the subperiosteal lift. The author also introduces a new, more efficacious method of midface suspension.     

The Laser-Assisted Neck Lift: Modifications in Technique and Postoperative Care to Improve Results

BACKGROUND: Conventional submental tumescent liposuction has proved disappointing for some patients with anterior neck laxity, ptotic platysma muscles, and increased subplatysmal fat. Many of these patients are facelift candidates but are unwilling to undergo this extensive procedure. We describe our hybrid approach, which offers consistently improved results and enhanced patient satisfaction. OBJECTIVE: To establish a sharper cervicomental angle by more completely removing subplatysmal fat. We also wished to achieve more consistent, smoother results, minimizing ripples, folds, and hematomas with a novel postoperative dressing system. METHODS: Extensive tumescent liposuction of the lower face, jowls, and anterior neck was performed. Following this, subplatysmal fat was removed by dissection, the platysma muscle was imbricated, and the CO2 laser utilized in a defocused, low-power mode to partially treat the dermal undersurface and underlying muscle. Our postoperative dressing included a 10 cm mineral oil polymer gel disc in the submental location, covered by tape, silicone foam, and a lower face and neck garment to provide both support and even compression over the entire neck for at least the first 24 hours. RESULTS: Results proved uniformly satisfying for most patients, even those in their senior years. Benefits included an improved cervicomental angle, a decrease in jowling, and a marked reduction in the laxity and wrinkling of the neck skin and horizontal neck creases. Problems related to postoperative rippling or folding of the redraped skin and hematoma formation were minimized. conclusion. Laser neck tightening combined with tumescent liposuction and an advanced postoperative dressing for superior support and uniform compression has resulted in consistently excellent outcomes with improved patient satisfaction.     

Surgical correction of the fat neck

This is an up-to-date review of the state of the art in the treatment of the fat neck at the University of Miami School of Medicine, based on twenty-five years of experience including several thousand cases. The combination of submental lipectomy, platysma myectomy, facelift, submandibular lipectomy, platysma myotomy, and posterior muscle traction with suture fixation has consistently produced marked improvement in the fat neck. Under this regimen, when the patient returns in five to ten years for a second lift, it is rare that the neck requires more than the skin tightening that comes with a simple facelift.     

Rejuvenation of the aging neck

Patients seeking rejuvenation of the face are influenced by youthful faces commonly seen in the media and entertainment world. Although standards of beauty evolve over time, classical facial features such as symmetry, high cheek bones, and an angular jaw-neck line remain as ideals. As the human face ages, a relatively consistent series of anatomic events occurs. Although the rate of change varies from person to person, the process of facial aging is predictable. This process involves a loss of tone of the elastic fibers of the face, resulting in sagging of the skin and soft tissues of the face and neck. Additionally, aging of the lower face often includes ptosis of the soft tissues of the chin and banding or cording of the muscles of the anterior neck. Aesthetic rejuvenation of the face and neck involves repositioning of poorly supported soft tissues. To accurately treat facial aging, an individualized diagnosis and anatomically based problem list is compiled. This should include analysis of the skin quality, bone structure, amount and distribution of subcutaneous fat, and relationship of the superficial muscles to the overlying skin. After a detailed diagnosis is made, a surgical treatment plan is outlined to improve the face and restore a youthful appearance. This article describes the applied anatomy associated with facial aging and explains the author's specific techniques to obtain a natural postoperative appearance. Avoidance of common problems associated with aging face surgery is emphasized.     

Superficial parotidectomy in the treatment of cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck

The preauricular lymph nodes are frequently the first site of metastatic disease from primary malignant melanoma of the upper two-thirds of the face or the anterior scalp. For these patients, or those with adjacent metastatic nodal disease, the prognosis is poor. The median survival of 13 such patients presented was 2 years, with two long-term survivors at 4 and 6 years. Palliative surgery can, however, prevent uncontrolled locoregional disease. Patients with palpable preauricular and cervical node disease should be treated by facial nerve-preserving parotidectomy and radical neck dissection. When no cervical nodes are palpable in patients with preauricular node metastasis, peroperative jugulodigastric node biopsy and frozensection histopathological examination are useful to select patients for radical neck dissection.