BACKGROUND: The superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS) suspension is a globally accepted procedure in rhytidoplasties. In order to evaluate the efficacy of suspension performed with the round block SMAS treatment, the authors planned a method in which the wound area reduction is measured to assure its functionality, based in clear evidence. METHODS: Twenty consecutive rhytidoplasties were evaluated, all of them done by the same surgeon, using the same standards. Twelve measures were taken in each side of the face, 7 before suspension and 5 after, allowing for the elaboration of 40 diagrams comprising the areas evaluated before and after suspension. The software ImageJ (NIH Image) was used to evaluate the surfaces. RESULTS: The undermined area in the 40 measures had a mean of 52.6 cm², which changed to a mean of 32.6 cm² after suspension, with a mean reduction of 38%. The diagrams also showed the exact handled points of the face. CONCLUSIONS: The described methodology confirms that the round block SMAS treatment technique is efficient regarding the suspension of the superficial muscular aponeurotic system, with significant reduction of the undermined area, consequently reducing the dead space, and may be a parameter to comparison of different techniques.
Face; Rhytidoplasty; Evaluation of results of therapeutic interventions
