Complications of Rhytidectomy

The document from 2005 reviewed complications associated with rhytidectomy, noting that while serious complications are rare, they can be distressing. Hematomas were the most common complication, with rates of 1% to 15%, and large hematomas requiring surgery at 1.9% to 3.6%. Risk factors for hematomas included high preoperative blood pressure, male gender, recent aspirin or NSAID use, and possibly not using fibrin glue. Nerve injuries occurred in 1% to 7% of cases, with permanent motor nerve injuries at 0.1%. A study of over 7000 face-lifts reported a 0.7% incidence of facial paralysis, with 0.1% being permanent. Skin flap necrosis occurred in 1.1% to 3.0% of cases, often due to vascular compromise, and alopecia post-rhytidectomy had an incidence of up to 8.4%, with permanent loss in 1% to 3% of cases. Infections were rare, under 1%, and parotid injuries were also uncommon. Other complications included pigmentary changes, contour deformities, situational depression in 30% of women post-surgery, and thromboembolic events in 0.49% of patients. The document stressed the importance of meticulous surgical technique and proper management of complications.