Full-face undermining using progressive dilators.

The application of a new and simple method of facial cutaneous detachment using specially designed bifaceted rigid steel wands called Dilson Luz Vascular Dilation Wands is described. These wands considerably reduce the bleeding during face-lift surgery, reducing both postoperative hematomas and the risk of facial nerve injury. This technique involves stretching the blood vessels to the point of rupture by inserting progressively larger wands. At the point of rupture, a spontaneous coagulation within the vascular extremities occurs. This is attributable to a significant blood platelet migration induced by the stimulation from the rupture of the vascular intima. The wands, varying in dimension from 1.5 to 20 mm, and are used for cutaneous facial detachment. This method has been found to result in minimal bleeding across the detached surface as well as an excellent perfusion of the overlying skin. With the use of these Dilson Luz Vascular Dilation Wands in combination with this new technique, the authors have obtained improved cutaneous detachment; reduced postoperative swelling, edema, and ecchymosis; prophylaxis of facial nerve damage; reduced procedural time; and above all, greater reduction in immediate and late postoperative hematoma formation.