Combining facelift with SmartLipo 1064-nm system, technique overview and retrospective analysis of 56 patients

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

BACKGROUND

Sub-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.

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to aggregate and summarize data on complications among different SMAS facelift techniques.

METHODS

A 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.

RESULTS

A 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).

CONCLUSIONS

There 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

Evaluation of lower blepharoplasty treated with the SmartLipo 1064-nm system and its clinical implications: A retrospective review

INTRODUCTION

This study used the SmartLipo 1064-nm system to remove herniated orbital fat tissue to improve lower eyelid appearance. A retrospective review of 128 patients was performed to evaluate the size of prominent fat pads and complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Altogether, 128 patients underwent a procedure using the SmartLipo 1064-nm system via postseptal access, which helped locate fat tissue more precisely. Digital photographs were taken preoperatively and at one week and six months postoperatively. Eyebag sizes were determined preoperatively and six months postoperatively using the Non-Contact 3D Digitizer.

RESULTS

Altogether, 118 primary and 10 revision patients (average age 31 years) were placed in one of two groups: mildly protruding fat pads (group 1, 86 patients) and moderately protruding fat pads (group 2, 42 patients). After injection of about 1 ml of anesthetic and 1 ml of 0.9% iced saline on each side, the patients received an average 450 joules of energy delivered at 20 Hz and 3 W. Postoperatively, the eyebag's height, depth, and area were significantly reduced in both groups (р = 0.000). The main symptoms (swelling, chemosis, engorgement, and pain) subsided within 5-7 days.

CONCLUSION

The SmartLipo 1064-nm system with postseptal access, a minimally invasive procedure, can be used to correct mildly and moderately prominent fat pads.