Complications After Superficial Plane Cervicofacial Rhytidectomy: A Retrospective Analysis of 178 Consecutive Facelifts and Review of the Literature

In a retrospective analysis of 178 consecutive patients who underwent superficial cervicofacial rhytidectomy (facelift surgery) by a single surgeon and his fellows, the study found a low incidence of postoperative complications, with only 11 patients (6.2%) experiencing issues. Of these complications, 5 patients (2.8%) had major postoperative hematomas requiring surgical intervention, 3 patients (1.7%) had minor hematomas, and there was one case each of hypertrophic scarring, superficial skin necrosis, and dehiscence. There were no instances of seroma, parotid pseudocyst, or permanent motor nerve injury. The study concluded that hematoma is the most common complication following this type of facelift surgery.