Facial Rejuvenation Surgery: A Retrospective Study of 8788 Cases

The retrospective study analyzed 8,788 cases of facial rejuvenation surgery performed from 1958 to 2010, focusing on the round-lifting technique. The patient demographic shifted over time, with an increase in male patients (from 6.3% to 18.6%) and older patients (17.7% aged 60 or older after 1979). Submental liposuction and malar fat pad repositioning became more common, with 92.2% and up to 97% of cases including these procedures, respectively. The overall complication rate was low at 4.5%, with hematoma and cutaneous slough or necrosis being the most frequent complications. The study concluded that maintaining the natural location of facial structures and using techniques like SMAS plication and correct tissue traction yielded satisfactory, natural results with fewer complications compared to more aggressive techniques. The study also highlighted the cultural trend in Brazil of opting for facelifts at a relatively early age and the importance of managing patient expectations and postoperative care.