The Pastorek Push: Facelift Dissection in the Temporal Region

Abstract

Introduction:

Rhytidectomy, or facelift surgery, is commonly sought after by patients seeking facial rejuvenation. To address skin and soft tissue laxity, the tissues are pulled in a primarily vertical direction. This can create bunching in the temporal region, which can be addressed by dissection in the temporal region via the Pastorek Push—which was first described by Norman Pastorek, MD, but has not been formally described in the literature.

Materials and Methods:

Video documentation of the Pastorek Push—which is the preferred surgical technique for dissection in the temporal region during facelift performed by the senior author—is demonstrated herein. After retraction of the temporal skin flap, blunt dissection with a sponge is carried out deep to the subcutaneous fat and superficial to the temporoparietal fascia, protecting the temporal branch of the facial nerve. This dissection can be advanced to the lateral orbital rim.

Results:

This approach for facelift dissection in the temporal region has been routinely used by the senior author due to the resultant positive aesthetic outcomes and safety near the temporal branch of the facial nerve.

Conclusions:

To our knowledge, the Pastorek Push for facelift dissection in the temporal region has not been previously reported in the literature or formally demonstrated with video documentation. This method provides safe dissection in the temporal region during facelift which prevents bunching related to the vertical vector of pull of the facial soft tissues.

The authors confirm that none have any commercial associations to disclose in connection with the submitted video.

IRB/Ethics Approval: This work does not meet criteria for human subject research and is therefore exempt from IRB approval. All procedures performed were in accordance with the ethical standards of the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. Informed consent was obtained from this patient for inclusion in education material such as this.

Runtime of video: 00 mins 34 secs