(0519) Hemostatic Net Versus Suction Drain Placement Following Rhytidectomy: Early Experience

Introduction: Postoperative hematoma is one of the most feared complications following rhytidectomy. Recent evidence suggests the use of hemostatic nets as a safe and effective technique to reduce the rate of postoperative hematoma following rhytidectomy. Few studies have compared hemostatic nets to suction drain placement following rhytidectomy.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review on patients who underwent rhytidectomy over the past year by two board certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons at a single institution. Use of either hemostatic net or suction drain was documented and compared.

Results: In total, 48 patients were included in this preliminary study: 20 (41.6%) had hemostatic nets and 28 (58.3%) had suction drains placed at the end of the procedure. ARTISS fibrin sealant (Baxter International Inc.) was used in the subcutaneous plane in the preauricular region during closure in 32 (66.7%) patients. Average age was 65.4 (±7.5) years, and 44 (91.7%) of patients were female. No patients had a prior history of bleeding disorders or preoperative use of anticoagulants. Hemostatic nets were removed on mean postoperative day 4.5 (±1.9) and suction drains were removed on mean postoperative day 1.1 (±0.4). The rate of postoperative hematoma was 0% (n = 0) in the hemostatic net group compared to 7.14% (n = 2) in the suction drain group (p = 0.504). The rate of postoperative seroma was 15% (n = 3) in the hemostatic net group compared to 21.4% (n = 6) in the suction drain group (p = 0.716).

Conclusions: Our early data suggests a lower rate of hematoma and seroma following placement of a hemostatic net after rhytidectomy when compared to suction drains, though not reaching significance due to small sample size. Data collection is ongoing.