Double inverting continuous suture in facelift

Objectives. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of clinical use of a novel SMAS plication technique with a double inverting continuous suture.
Material and methods. The study included 28 patients (24 women, 4 men) aged 52 to 74 years with gravitational ptosis and facial soft tissue volume loss who underwent facelift with SMAS plication using a double invaginating continuous suture. Quality of life was assessed with a questionnaire before surgery and at 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed using the Friedman test.
Results. Stable correction of gravitational ptosis and volume loss in the middle and lower third of the face was achieved in all 28 patients. A statistically significant improvement in quality of life was observed after surgery (χ²=18.43, df=2, p<0.001). Adverse events included pain (13/46.4%), ecchymosis (9/32.2%), edema (8/28.5%), and paresthesia (6/21.4%), all were transient and resolved within 4 weeks. No serious complications (nerve injury, major hematoma) occurred.
Conclusions. The facelift technique with SMAS plication using a double inverting continuous suture is a simple, safe, rapid, effective, maneuverable, reversible, and stable method in aesthetic facial surgery. The obtained results support its clinical applicability.
Keywords: facelift, SMAS lifting, aesthetic facial surgery, SMAS plication
Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Financing. The work was completed without sponsorship.