The role of plastic surgery in congenital cutis laxa: a 10-year follow-up

The clinical features and the plastic surgery management of a 23-year-old woman with cutis laxa are presented. Two rhytidectomies were performed in this patient within 1 year. The first was associated with a SMAS flap; the second employed a prehairline incision. The evolution of the aging facial appearance 10 years after the last face lift was evaluated and compared with the preoperative situation. Repeated face lifts seem to be an interesting way to manage patients with cutis laxa. Unlike patients with other disorders of the connective tissue, those with cutis laxa have no vascular fragility and heal well. The role of plastic surgery and the clinical features and timing for operation are reviewed and discussed.