A Prospective Pilot Study for the Use of a Powdered Active Hemostatic Agent to Decrease the Incidence of Bleeding-Related Complications Following Rhytidectomy

Abstract

Background:

Rhytidectomy (facelift) procedures, while generally safe, carry a risk of bleeding-related complications such as hematoma formation and prolonged postoperative bruising or edema. Adjunctive hemostatic agents, including powdered formulations like HEMOBLAST, have shown benefit in other cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, but data on their use in facelifts are lacking.

Methods:

This prospective single-arm pilot study enrolled 27 patients undergoing elective rhytidectomy at a single center. After primary hemostasis, HEMOBLAST was applied under the skin flap in the subcutaneous plane. Outcome measures included the incidence of intraoperative/postoperative bleeding, hematoma formation, bruising, edema, and seroma. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and exploratory univariate and multivariate modeling.

Results:

No major bleeding events or surgical takebacks were observed. The rates of hematoma, seroma, and postoperative bruising and swelling were low. Univariate analysis identified patient age and body mass index (BMI) as potential factors influencing postoperative bruising severity. No adverse reactions to the hemostatic agent were reported.

Conclusion:

The use of an empiric powdered hemostatic agent during rhytidectomy appears safe and may reduce bleeding-related complications. These findings support the feasibility of incorporating HEMOBLAST into facelift surgery and warrant further evaluation in a controlled, larger-scale trial.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV: Evidence from well-designed case-control or cohort study.