[Use of Harmonic blade in face lifting]

Abstract

Introduction: Rapid recovery and return to social activities are what every patient wishes when considering to undergo a face lifting procedure. In our practice, the use of the Harmonic scalpel in order to achieve this goal has greatly improved the postoperative period.

Patients and methods: We have performed 920 face lifting procedures exclusively using the Harmonic scalpel from 2001 to May 2017.

Results: A retrospective chart review was performed. Mean operative time was 110minutes for facelift involving SMAS plication only, and 180minutes for facelift involving SMAS plication with the addition of submental approach for anterior platysma plasty. Return to normal social life was achieved on the 8th postoperative day for the majority of cases.

Conclusion: The use of the Harmonic scalpel, once properly integrated in the face lifting procedure, significantly reduces postoperative ecchymosis and oedema and allows a prompt return to normal social life.

Keywords: Cervical; Face; Facial; Harmonic; Lifting; Neck; Ultracision.