What is a Haemostatic Net?

18 Oct What is a Haemostatic Net?

Benefits of Using a Haemostatic Net for Facelift Surgery

Facelift surgery is a complex and delicate procedure that requires a combination of surgical skill, experience, and various techniques to achieve optimal results. With the ongoing evolution of facelift surgery techniques, the use of advanced techniques has become increasingly important. One such innovation is the haemostatic net, a method that has changed the way bleeding is managed during facelift surgeries.

In recent years, the haemostatic net has been more and more used in facelift surgery. By providing rapid and effective haemostasis, or the cessation of bleeding, haemostatic net enable us to operate with greater precision, reduce tissue trauma, and reduce the risk of complications.

Perth Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr. Guy Watts has many years of experience performing face procedures such as facelift, neck lift and blepharoplasty.

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Importance of Haemostasis in Facelift Surgery

Haemostasis, or the cessation of bleeding, is an important aspect of any surgical procedure, including facelift. Excessive bleeding can not only impair the surgeon’s visibility during the operation but can also lead to potential complications such as haematomas (blood clots), seromas (fluid accumulation), and prolonged recovery times.

Achieving effective haemostasis is particularly important in facelift surgeries due to the intricate nature of the procedure and the delicate facial anatomy involved. The face is highly vascularised, with numerous blood vessels running through the area, increasing the risk of bleeding during the operation.

Traditional methods of achieving haemostasis, such as electrocautery and manual compression, while effective, may have certain limitations. In contrast, haemostatic net offers a more targeted and efficient approach to bleeding control.

What Is a Haemostatic Net and How Does It Work?

A haemostatic net, in the context of facelift surgery, refers to a technique where the surgeon meticulously places a network of continuous sutures to close the dead space between the skin and underlying tissues of the face. This differs from the traditional concept of a physical “net” made of materials. The goal is to reduce the potential space where fluid (like blood or serum) could accumulate post-operatively.

Imagine your facial tissues as multiple layers – the skin, the underlying fat, the SMAS layer, muscles, etc. During a facelift, these layers are lifted and repositioned. However, this process can also create pockets or “dead spaces” between the layers where fluid could collect.

The haemostatic net technique addresses this by carefully suturing these layers together at strategic points, eliminating the dead space. Dr. Watts uses sutures visibly placed superficially in a running stitch, anchoring the skin to the deeper tissues. This network of sutures acts like an invisible web, holding the tissues together snugly.

The sutures are placed meticulously to ensure precision. The tension on the sutures is carefully adjusted – tight enough to close the space, but not so tight as to create dimpling or unevenness in the skin.

The stitches are removed on the third day after the procedure. By this point, the tissues will have adhered to each other naturally, maintaining the contour. The haemostatic net, therefore, provides critical support in the initial post-operative period when the risk of fluid accumulation is highest.

It’s a technique that requires skill, precision, and an artistic eye. When done well, it can significantly improve the quality of the facelift result and reduce post-operative complications.

Benefits of Using a Haemostatic Net in Facelift Procedures

The application of a haemostatic net technique in facelift surgery offers several benefits.

• It reduces the risk of post-operative haematoma. A haematoma is a collection of blood that can occur under the skin after surgery, and it’s one of the most common complications of facelift procedures. By meticulously closing the dead space with sutures, Dr. Watts minimises the room for blood to accumulate, thus decreasing the likelihood of this complication.
• The haemostatic net promotes better tissue adherence. By holding the skin and underlying tissues together snugly, it encourages these layers to heal together more efficiently. This can result in a smoother, more even contour and a more natural-looking result.
• This technique can lead to faster recovery times. With less space for fluid to accumulate, there’s less swelling and less need for drains. This can translate to a more comfortable post-operative experience for you and a quicker return to your normal activities.
• The haemostatic net provides additional support to the tissues during the critical healing phase. As you heal, your skin and underlying tissues are still in the process of adjusting to their new position. The network of sutures acts as a scaffolding, holding everything in place while your body forms new connective tissue to maintain the lift.
• This technique allows for a more precise and controlled re-draping of the skin. As the surgeon sutures the skin to the underlying tissues, they can fine-tune the position and tension of the skin to achieve an optimal result.

It’s important to note that while the haemostatic net offers these benefits, it’s not a standalone technique. It’s part of a comprehensive approach to facelift surgery that also involves careful pre-operative planning, meticulous surgical technique, and attentive post-operative care. When all these elements come together, that’s when you can expect a good outcome.

Haemostatic Net and other Traditional Haemostatic Methods

Dr. Watts always uses drains in conjunction with the haemostatic net. Drains are tubes placed under the skin to allow excess fluid to escape. They help prevent fluid accumulation, even if they can also be uncomfortable for patients and may require additional care and management. Compression dressings are also helpful in reducing swelling.

FAQs about Haemostatic Net and Facelift Surgery

Is the haemostatic net technique suitable for all facelift patients?

• The haemostatic net can be beneficial for most facelift patients, but it may not be necessary or appropriate in all cases. Dr. Watts will assess your individual anatomy, skin quality, and surgical goals to determine whether this technique is right for you.

Does the use of a haemostatic net increase the cost of the facelift?

• The use of a haemostatic net is part of the overall facelift technique and does not typically incur additional costs. However, facelift costs can vary widely depending on factors such as the surgeon’s experience, the complexity of the procedure, and geographic location.

Further Reading about Surgery with Perth Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr. Guy Watts

• Read Dr. Guy Watts’ Blog about When to Resume Exercising after Facelift Surgery
• Read Dr. Guy Watts’ Blog about What Is Facial Asymmetry
• Read Dr. Guy Watts’ Blog about 7 Tips to Reduce Bruising after Facelift Surgery
• Read Dr. Guy Watts’ Blog about Swelling and Bruising after Blepharoplasty
• Read Dr. Guy Watts’ Blog about What Is the Difference between a Forehead Lift and Blepharoplasty

Medical References for Haemostatic Net and Facelift Surgery

• Complications after superficial plane cervicofacial rhytidectomy
• Surgical haemostasis | Oxford Textbook of Fundamentals of Surgery
• Application and outlook of topical hemostatic materials
• Recent advances in the medical applications of hemostatic materials
• Hemostatic net in rhytidoplasty