Preliminary report on complications of the extended cervicofacial rhytidectomy.

The facelift is one of the major surgical procedures for facial rejuvenation. Over the years it has evolved from local skin excisions to wide undermining and manipulation of the subcutaneous layers. Presently, controversy exists concerning the extent of undermining. Minimal flap undermining is felt to give less than an optimum cosmetic result that in turn only lasts for a very short period of time, while more extensive procedures are thought to jeopardize the patient with increasing morbidity from associated complications. Since 1978, the author has been a strong proponent of the widely undermined facelift with concomitant excision and rotation of the subcutaneous layers. A review of the patients done since 1978, who had the more extensive operation, was undertaken to determine the incidence of postoperative complications. Even though the series is small, the results are encouraging.