DOES RETAINING LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION PREVENT EARLY RECURRENCES AFTER SMAS RHYTIDECTOMY?

Abstract. Introduction. Early recurrence can occur after any facelift technique. This is influenced by various factors, including the anatomical features of the SMAS, patient-dependent factors, and technical factors. Materials and Methods. The study included 100 female patients with involutional changes in the face and neck. The patients were randomized into two groups of 50 individuals each. In the main group, meticulous fixation of the retaining ligaments of the face was performed during the facelift procedure. In the control group, the facelift was performed using traditional techniques by different plastic surgeons. Results. The rate of postoperative complications did not differ significantly between the groups (p>0.05). Early recurrence (within 12 months) was observed in one patient (2.0%) in the main group and in four patients (8.0%) in the control group, which was not statistically significant (p>0.05). However, reconstruction of the facial retaining ligaments during the facelift reduced the likelihood of early recurrence by 77% (OR 0.23, CI 0.03-2.18). Conclusion. The results indicate that reconstructing the retaining ligaments during SMAS-facelift provides better aesthetic outcomes, especially in patients with pronounced age-related changes and deep skin folds.