Prediction of Face-Lift Outcomes Using the Preoperative Supine Test

BACKGROUND: Patients considering a facelift (facial rhytidectomy) need some means of predicting their surgical outcomes. This will help them decide whether to proceed with the operation. METHODS: A total of 50 consecutive patients were asked to examine themselves with a hand-held mirror while lying supine on an examining table to give them a reasonable approximation of their postoperative result. RESULTS: The tissues of the face redrape in a very aesthetic manner when lying completely supine. The appearance that the patient sees of himself or herself during the “supine test” correlated very well with the actual postop result after rhytidectomy consisting of subcutaneous undermining, SMAS plication, and platysmaplasty. CONCLUSION: This supine test may be useful in helping patients preoperatively predict their facelift outcomes and may serve as a good adjunct to imaging.