Clinical Experiences of Face Lift: A Marginal Tragal Incision and Two Point Anchor

Suh, Bo Ik; Yang, Jung Dug; Kim, Jong Yeop; Chung, Ho Yun; Park, Jae Woo; Cho, Byoung Chae

Abstract

There is one problematic part of the facialplasty procedure that has been addressed with relative infrequency in the plastic surgery literature. Hypertrophic scar, deformed tragus and "pixie ear" deformity, the problems associated with the design and closure of the periauricular incisions, are still recognized. Prevention of these undesirable results of facialplasty is the surgical challenge about which this article is concerned. In facelift, pretragal incision leaves long scar formation on preauricular area and retrotragal incision occasionally makes the unnatural tragus. Since the marginal tragal incision consists of several short segments, it can prevent tragal deformity caused by scar contracture and preserve shape of the tragus. Putting 2 anchoring key sutures on just above the ear and at the mastoid area minimizes the tension on the incision line and minimizes postoperative ear deformity. We experienced 42 face lifting procedures in patients with aging face during the last 6 years(from Dec 1999 to May. 2005). Complications were hematoma in four cases(9.5%) and focal wound dehiscence in two cases(4.8%). The patients with the complications completely recovered 3 months later.