A clinical evaluation of the results of submusculo-aponeurotic dissection and fixation in face lifts.

In 25 random patients undergoing rhytidectomy, we did unilateral subplatysmal-fascial dissections of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) of the face and neck--with redistribution of the tension of this system and fixation by suturing. Late evaluation of these patients by 3 observers showed no detectable difference in the results, as compared to the other side on which the standard technique of skin flap elevation alone was done. Our investigation did not study the usefulness of more extensive dissections of the muscle with complete transection excision of segments of it, or the formation of long muscle flaps.