High Impact Articles in Rhytidectomy
In this study, we performed a citation analysis to identify the 50 most highly cited clinical, anatomic and experimental articles published regarding rhytidectomy in seven peer-reviewed journals.
Methods/Technique:
We reviewed Thomson/Reuters Web of Knowledge to identify the most highly cited facelift articles from 7 journals – Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS), Annals of Plastic Surgery, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, Clinics in Plastic Surgery, Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, and British Journal of Plastic Surgery. The most highly cited articles were identified and sorted according to number of citations and citations per year. These were then stratified into anatomic studies, technique-based studies, and studies involving perioperative management and complications.
Results/Complications:
The top 50 cited articles were identified. These were published between 1962 and 2006. The number of citations for each article ranged from 54 to 366. Among these, 14 were anatomic studies and 36 were clinical – technique-based, and those involving perioperative management. The most commonly cited article with 366 citations was Vladimir Mitz & Martine Peyronie’s, “Superficial musculo-aponeurotic system in the parotid and cheek area” published in PRS, July 1976. The most common technique-based article was Sam Hamra’s “Composite Rhytidectomy”, published in PRS, July 1992. The most common article involving perioperative issues and complications was “The effect of cigarette smoking on skin flap survival in the face lift patient” published in PRS, June 1984 by Thomas Rees et al.
Conclusion:
The top 50 highly cited articles describe the unique anatomy navigated during facelift, the various techniques that have evolved over time, and the perioperative issues to consider in optimizing outcomes. Listing all these articles in one reference may allow the novice surgeon to direct his/her reading and the experienced surgeon the opportunity to efficiently review those articles pertinent to his/her practice.