Quilting Sutures in Rhytidectomy: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Skin Perfusion After Hemostatic Net: An Anatomic and Radiologic Study in a Cadaver Model

BACKGROUND

The hemostatic net is a recent technique initially developed to reduce the occurrence of postoperative hematomas following facelift procedures. Its applications have expanded to include skin redraping, deep plane fixation, and other areas beyond the face. However, no experimental study has investigated its effect on skin blood supply.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to analyze facial skin vascularization after applying a hemostatic net to fresh cadavers.

METHODS

Fourteen hemifaces from fresh adult cadavers were examined. The study model involved a deep plane facelift procedure with the use of a hemostatic net. The first step, involving 4 hemifaces, included dissections and two-/three-dimensional angiographies by digital microangiography and computed tomography scan, respectively. The purpose was to evaluate the influence of the hemostatic net on vascular perfusion. The second step involved a sequential dye perfusion study performed on 10 other hemifaces that underwent facelift procedures with the hemostatic net to determine its impact on skin perfusion.

RESULTS

The anatomic and radiologic techniques enabled visualization of skin, and showed the arterial system reaching the subdermal vascular plexus and branching between the vascular territories, without interference from the net. The sequential dye perfusion study showed staining after injection in each facelift flap, with comparable coloration distributions before and after the application of the net.

CONCLUSIONS

The hemostatic net did not affect the skin blood supply, correlating with no clinical increases in ischemia and necrosis rates in the facelift flap. This study provides additional evidence supporting the safety of the hemostatic net in clinical practice.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5

Methodological Quality of Open Access Compared to Traditional Journal Publications in the Plastic Surgery Literature

BACKGROUND

The methodological quality of open access studies has long been questioned due to increasing popularity and accessibility. The objective of this study is to compare the methodological quality of open access versus traditional journal publications in the plastic surgery literature.

METHODS

Four traditional plastic surgery journals with their sister open access journals were chosen. For each of the eight journals, 10 articles were randomly selected for inclusion. Methodological quality was examined using validated instruments. Publication descriptors were compared to methodological quality values using ANOVA. Logistic regression was used to compare quality scores between open access and traditional journals.

RESULTS

There was a wide distribution of levels of evidence, with a quarter being level one. Regression of non-randomized studies indicated a significantly higher proportion of traditional journal articles were of high methodological quality (89.6%) when compared to open access journals (55.6%; p < 0.05). This difference persisted in three quarter of the sister journal groups. No publication descriptions were associated with methodological quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Methodological quality scores were higher among traditional access journals. Higher degrees of peer review may be necessary to ensure appropriate methodological quality in open access plastic surgery publications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Hemostatic Net in Facelift Surgery: A 5-Year Single-Surgeon Experience

BACKGROUND

The hemostatic net has been promoted as a safe and effective method to prevent hematoma formation following facelift procedures. To date there is little published evidence to validate the replicability and effectiveness of the technique.

OBJECTIVES

This study presents 2 cohorts of facelift patients from a single surgeon's practice to assess the impact of the hemostatic net on hematoma formation.

METHODS

The records of 304 patients were reviewed on whom the hemostatic net was placed following a facelift between July 2017 and October 2022. Data were collected and assessed for complications and compared with a control group of 359 patients who underwent a facelift procedure without placement of a hemostatic net by the same surgeon between 1999 and 2004.

RESULTS

A total of 663 patients were included. In this retrospective cohort study, analysis of available data showed a significantly reduced hematoma rate of 0.6% in the intervention group compared with 3.9% in the control group (P = .006722).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the hemostatic net is a safe, reproducible, and effective technique in reducing the risk of hematoma in facelift surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Bolster Equalization Suture Technique (BEST) Neck: Optimization of Skin Redraping Following Necklift Surgery

BACKGROUND

Skin laxity of the neck is a primary concern of patients seeking facial rejuvenation. Traditional methods for redraping neck skin have well-described shortcomings.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to optimize skin redraping after necklift surgery while reducing risk, and the Bolster Equalization Suture Technique (BEST).

METHODS

At the conclusion of the facelift and necklift, 3 external quilting sutures are placed with protective bolsters. The first suture is placed at the midline, advancing the skin posteriorly toward the hyoid and anchoring the skin to the platysma. The second and third are placed in the cervicomandibular groove over the sternocleidomastoid muscle, advancing the skin posteriorly. Complications such as skin necrosis, skin ischemia, dimpling, hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, and scarring were documented. A control group of 20 patients who underwent the same surgery without the BEST was compared to the next 20 patients in which the BEST was applied. Preoperative and postoperative photographs were blindly reviewed by 2 plastic surgeons. The photographs were analyzed for residual central neck skin laxity and cervicomental angle improvement and surveyed according to the pertinent sections of the FACE-Q.

RESULTS

In necklift patients who received the BEST, cervicomental angle improvement and decreased central skin laxity were statistically significant. Patient perceived age on a visual analog scale was 2.5 years younger in the BEST group.

CONCLUSIONS

The BEST is a safe and efficient method which can be used to improve cervical skin redraping and contour. The BEST creates a more defined cervicomental angle while reducing central skin neck laxity with minimal complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Face Lift Practice Patterns: An American Society of Plastic Surgeons Member Survey, 2000 and 2020. How Much Have We Changed?

BACKGROUND

In 2000, Matarasso et al. performed a survey of American Society of Plastic Surgeons members' face lift practice patterns. Since that publication, the aesthetic marketplace has changed dramatically, as have ancillary face lift techniques. In an attempt to detail these changes, we repeated that original survey, adding questions to address more recent technical issues and advances. The goal of this report was to define current face lift practice patterns, compare current patterns to the previous ones, and define recent advances.

METHODS

A 38-question survey assessing face lift techniques, perioperative management, complications, and concomitant procedures was electronically distributed to a random cohort of American Society of Plastic Surgeons members. Data were recorded and statistically analyzed utilizing the Pearson chi-square test.

RESULTS

A total of 251 forms were returned and analyzed. Details of demographics, face lift techniques, ancillary procedures, perioperative care, and complications are presented. Current results were compared to the previously published society member practice patterns delineated in the 2000 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery publication.

CONCLUSIONS

The basic approach of American Society of Plastic Surgeons members to the face lift operation has not changed dramatically over the past 20 years. The development of operative adjuncts, however, has been positive, including fat grafting techniques, concomitant use of skin resurfacing, and means of minimizing blood loss with tranexamic acid. In certain instances, respondents do not follow evidence-based guidelines for perioperative care. Finally, common complications of practicing members appear to coincide with published retrospective reviews.

Hematoma After Non-Oncologic Breast Procedures: A Comprehensive Review of the Evidence

BACKGROUND

Hematoma after non-oncologic breast surgery is a common concern requiring expeditious treatment. The purpose of this study is to perform an evidence-based review of perioperative factors that may contribute to hematoma in non-oncologic breast procedures.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was performed of non-oncologic breast procedures: breast augmentation, single-stage augmentation-mastopexy, mastopexy, and reduction. In total, 28 studies highlighting incidence and potential risk factors for hematoma were included; overall level of evidence was established regarding each perioperative factor examined and hematoma rate.

RESULTS

The hematoma rate in breast augmentation ranges from 0.2 to 5.7%. There is inconclusive evidence to support an association between pocket choice or incision location and hematoma rate (Level III) and no evidence of an association between implant type and hematoma (Level V). Single-stage augmentation-mastopexy may have a lower hematoma rate than augmentation alone (Level II). Hematoma may increase the risk of capsular contracture (Level III). In breast reduction, the hematoma rate ranges from 1.0 to 9.3%. Evidence of an association between incision choice and hematoma rate is inconclusive (Level III). Use of epinephrine-containing solution, pedicle choice, and resection weight do not appear to affect hematoma rate (Level V, II, and II, respectively). The use of postoperative drains and ketorolac do not affect the incidence of hematoma (Level I and III, respectively). Intraoperative hypotension may increase the risk of hematoma after breast reduction (Level III).

CONCLUSIONS

Breast hematomas are not uncommon complications. Current literature lacks ample evidence for risk factors for hematoma after non-oncologic breast procedures, warranting further, high-powered investigations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .