Methods of Shortening the Operative Time of a Total Face-Lift

Abstract

Recognizing the need to reduce the usual lengthy operating time of face-lift surgery with its inherent risks and to make possible the combining of multiple operative procedures of the face, the author explains a technique for shortening the face-lift procedure without sacrificing important steps to produce an effective, long-lasting result. Some of these steps include rapid, but careful administration of sedation, expeditious administration of local anesthesia through preplaced spinal needles, effective illumination of the field, particularly beneath the skin flaps, for rapid hemostasis with use of electrocautery, a safe and swift method of extensive undermining, strategic use of subcutaneous suspension sutures for plication, application of temporary anchor sutures in the rotation of skin flaps, the use of skin clamps for rapid closure, and a Hemovac for postoperative control of bleeding.