Temporary hemostatic traction (THT) in rhytidoplasty

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

To slow the aging process, facial contouring surgery was developed as a rejuvenating technique, and is constantly improving, as are the results. However, as with any surgical procedure, complications are possible, the main one being hematoma. Dissatisfied with the prospect of hematoma and the use of drains, and with a goal of lower costs, the authors felt the need to develop a new surgical procedure, temporary hemostatic traction (THT).

Methods:

Sixty-four rhytidoplasties, all performed at the Valle Pereira Clinic (Florianópolis, SC, Brazil) from May 2012 to January 2013, were included in this study. All patients underwent the new THT procedure.

Results:

Only two patients developed epidermolysis with optimal evolution following THT, and one developed generalized facial edema. There were no instances of hematoma at any of the postoperative stages.

Conclusions:

This new surgical technique avoids the use of drains and decreases dead space, thereby improving flap adhesion, and decreases hematoma, seroma, and postoperative edema; it also decreases tension on the incision, hence improving the results of rhytidoplasty.

Keywords:
Rhytidoplasty; Facial Surgery; Hematoma