Prevention of seromas and hematomas after face-lift surgery with the use of postoperative vacuum drains.

[OBJECTIVE] To evaluate the rate of hematoma and seroma formation in a series of rhytidectomies performed with and without the use of intrawound vacuum drains.

[DESIGN] Retrospective chart review of 222 consecutive face-lifts performed by a single surgeon using an identical surgical technique before and after the use of vacuum wound drains. The patients were divided into 2 groups of 111 patients each. Group 1 patients underwent surgery without drains, while group 2 patients had suction drains placed at the time of surgery.

[MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE] The occurrence of seromas and hematomas within the first 24 hours after surgery.

[RESULTS] In group 1, 41 patients (37%) developed seromas and 9 (8%) developed hematomas; the hematomas were small and were treated by aspiration alone. In group 2, 17 patients (15%) developed seromas and 8 (7%) developed hematomas. The decrease in the rate of seroma occurrence was statistically significant, while the decrease in hematoma formation did not reach statistical significance.

[CONCLUSIONS] The use of intrawound vacuum drains during the first 24 hours after surgery significantly decreases the rate of seroma formation. The occurrence of hematomas is also reduced, but less dramatically.