SMAS-flap transposition in Lower Face-lift

The superficial musculoaponeurotic system is of fundamental importance in facial anatomy. One of its primary functions is to harmoniously integrate the facial mimic muscles by coordinating their movements with each other. The continuity of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system with the platysma also creates an effective unitary connection with the mandibular and cervical areas. For these areas, where the signs of aging are first shown with soft tissue ptosis and cervical bands, we propose our lower face-lift technique with SMAS-flap transposition. This technique is not characterized by the section of the aponeurosis at the earlobe or lower level and by its rotation, but it is characterized by an higher SMAS section at tragus level with transposition of the mobilized pre-parotid and platysma aponeurosis to the high mastoid area. This manoeuvrer allows us for an effective platysma extension-lift and for his secure fixation to the upper mastoid area, resulting in greater stability and duration of the treatment.

A Meta-Analysis of Complication Rates Among Different SMAS Facelift Techniques

BackgroundSub-superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS) rhytidectomy techniques are considered to have a higher complication profile, especially for facial nerve injury, compared with less invasive SMAS techniques. This results in surgeons avoiding sub-SMAS dissection.ObjectivesThe authors sought to aggregate and summarize data on complications among different SMAS facelift techniques.MethodsA broad systematic search was performed. All included studies: (1) described a SMAS facelifting technique categorized as SMAS plication, SMASectomy/imbrication, SMAS flap, high lateral SMAS flap, deep plane, and composite; and (2) reported the number of postoperative complications in participants. Meta-analysis was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.ResultsA total 183 studies were included. High lateral SMAS (1.85%) and composite rhytidectomy (1.52%) had the highest rates of temporary nerve injury and were the only techniques to show a statistically significant difference compared with SMAS plication (odds ratio [OR] = 2.71 and 2.22, respectively, P < 0.05). Risk of permanent injury did not differ among techniques. An increase in major hematoma was found for the deep plane (1.22%, OR = 1.67, P < 0.05) and SMAS imbrication (1.92%, OR = 2.65, P < 0.01). Skin necrosis was higher with the SMAS flap (1.57%, OR = 2.29, P < 0.01).ConclusionsThere are statistically significant differences in complication rates between SMAS facelifting techniques for temporary facial nerve injury, hematoma, seroma, necrosis, and infection. Technique should be selected based on quality of results and not the complication profile.Level of Evidence: 2