Complications in Rhytidoplasty: How to Prevent and Treat Them

Abstract

Introduction: In rhytidoplasty, the results considered unsatisfactory; the most common complaints are the result of a common factor: excesses.

Excesses are the most important factors that contribute to the lack of success.

Objective: To demonstrate the need for knowledge of the anatomy of the face, and that excess tension in the flaps and very thin detachments are the major causes of complications.

Method: For each complicated case, a different solution. The most common are due to trauma and consequent excessive edema, nerve injuries, and bruises. The use of expansive anesthesia, which causes separation in the tissues, where the subcutaneous tissue distends, separates itself from the firmer structures and in this way increases the visualization of the anatomical structures, allowing the detachment of the SMAS, vessels, nerves, and muscles more carefully.

Conclusion: The vast majority of problems are surgeon dependent, from not asking if the patient is a smoker, the lack of knowledge, and the rush to finish the surgery, to a vascular lesion not seen during the surgery and which may lead to the occurrence of a large hematoma and its consequence.

Result: Depending on the sequelae found, very little can be done; the most important thing in the case of a repair is to document in detail before, during and after the surgery.