Tumescent Cervicofacial Rhytidectomy

ABSTRACT

-A modification of the tumescent technique for body contouring has been adapted for facelift patients. Prior to surgery, patients are injected in the deep subcutaneous with 502.5 cc of a 0.3% lidocaine and 1/200,000 epinephrine solution using a Klein infusion pump on medium to high setting. Superficial liposculpture and independent skin/superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) platysmaplasty is then performed. The results in 150 consecutive patients are reviewed. The results of the first 30 patients, who were studied prospectively, are compared with 22 nontumescent cervicofacial rhytidectomy patients as well. Average rhytidectomy operative time was less than 2 hours. Excellent anesthetization was achieved in all patients. There were three major complications, which are described. Tumescent cervicofacial rhytidectomy is a safe and effective rhytidectomy procedure that offers several advantages when compared with nontumescent techniques, including avoidance of general inhalational agents, reduced operative bleeding and operative time, improved technical ease of superficial liposculpture and surgical dissection, and minimal postoperative bruising and swelling.

KEYWORD

Tumescent anesthesia - superficial liposculpture - facelift - rhytidectomy