What it means for a patient
- Most surgeons in this survey used established face lift methods, not the newest techniques promoted in the media.
- Complication rates reported by surgeons across the country were in line with earlier studies.
- Ask a surgeon which technique they use and how often they perform it.
- Limits: only 15 percent of surgeons replied, and the answers are self-reported. Those who replied may differ from those who did not.
Why this paper matters
It gives a national picture of face lift practice in the United States at the time and checks complication rates against earlier studies.
Overview
The authors set out to measure trends in face lift technique and philosophy, related procedures, and how often complications occur and how they are managed. They mailed surveys to 3800 members of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. The survey asked detailed questions on demographics, technique, complications and philosophy.
Findings
- Surveys sent to 3800 members of the ASPRS.
- 570 surveys returned (15 percent).
- Surgeons perform more established ("tried and true") methods rather than the new methods that get the most attention in the media and at meetings.
- Less-experienced surgeons tend to be more conservative in their approach to aesthetic surgery.
- Complication rates reported by surgeons match rates from earlier, non-survey studies.
- The abstract does not list the complication rates or technique percentages.
- Further reports on brow surgery (part II) and facilities and ancillary procedures (part III) were planned.
Terms
- Face lift (rhytidectomy): surgery to lift sagging skin and deeper tissue of the face and neck.
- ASPRS: the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, the professional society whose members were surveyed.
- Survey response rate: the share of people who returned a survey; here 15 percent.
- Self-reported data: information given by the people surveyed, not checked against records.
- Ancillary procedures: extra procedures done along with the main operation.
- Complication rate: how often a problem after surgery occurs.