Subperiosteal facelifting: complications and the dissatisfied patient.

As endoscopic subperiosteal lifting of the upper face is explored, it may significantly limit the indications for the open approach. However, this report is based on our combined large experience and long follow-up in open bicoronal subperiosteal lifting. The combined experience of four surgeons in four countries with an open subperiosteal approach to lifting of the upper face in 545 patients is described. The complications of the procedure, both common and rare, and techniques to avoid untoward effects are discussed. Reasons for patient dissatisfaction are addressed. Based on their evaluation of results and complications of the surgery over a 6-year period (1986-1992), we conclude that subperiosteal lifting is an effective, reliable, reproducible, and safe operation.