Hemostatic net in facelift surgery

Abstract

Hematomas are one of the most frequently reported complications in aesthetic surgery. Risk factors predisposing to postoperative bleeding and hematoma formation have been previously identified and include gender and smoking status, hypertension and malignancy, anticoagulant medications, surgical and anesthetic techniques, as well as postoperative management. In an effort to impact the incidence of hematoma formation following facelift, Auersvald and Auersvald developed a novel technique to eliminate hematoma formation in the early high-risk post-operative period. The application of a hemostatic net to all areas of skin elevation closes the dead space, negating the potential of expansive bleeding. The hemostatic net has proven to be a safe and effective method to prevent hematoma in the early post-operative period. The technique also enhances the surgeon’s ability to accommodate severely lax cervicofacial skin.