Segmented scalp peninsula to prevent a raised hairline and misalignment in rhytidoplasty

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Rhytidoplasty has shown excellent results in the treatment of facial laxity over the years, but in a few cases in which the patient has increased facial laxity associated with high preauricular scalp implantation, we observed elevation of implantation above the root of the helix after flap traction, resulting in an unesthetic facial appearance and marring the surgical procedure. The objective of this study was to demonstrate a surgical technique designed to prevent hairline recession and maintain correct alignment for the facelift. METHODS: Of 25 patients who underwent rhytidoplasty, 12 received a segmented scalp peninsula. Descriptive analysis in this group included age, level of scalp implantation, surgical time, elevation of the hairline, necrosis, postoperative hematoma, unesthetic scars, and neuropraxia. RESULTS: We analyzed the results of a segmented scalp peninsula in 12 patients, ranging in age between 41 and 74 years, with a mean of 60 years. The return to usual activities ranged from 10 to 21 days. No unesthetic changes resulted from placement of the hairline on the sideburn in these 12 patients; there was one (4%) case of hematoma, but no case of necrosis or neuropraxia. CONCLUSION: The segmented scalp peninsula is an easily performed technique, with a low risk of complications and with satisfactory esthetic results.

Keywords

• rhytidoplasty
• plastic surgery/methods
• rejuvenation
• hair