Continuing medical education article—facial aesthetic surgery

Abstract

Learning objectives The reader is presumed to have a broad understanding of the anatomy of the anterior midface. After reading this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Identify the topographical component signs of aging of the anterior midface. 2. Explain the mechanisms of ptosis affecting these components. 3. Practice the vertical and superolateral repositioning of the malar fat pad. Physicians may earn 1 hour of Category 1 CME credit by successfully completing the examination on the basis of material covered in this article. The examination begins on page 257. Background We have previously described a technique of anterior midface soft tissue repositioning using 2 cable sutures directed only in a superolateral direction. This technique achieves a more normal distribution of subcutaneous fat laterally over the malar bag prominence but does little to overcome central and medial hollowness in the palpebromalar and tear-trough areas. Objective We describe an alteration of our original technique that introduces a vertical lift of the anterior midface soft tissue utilizing Gore-Tex, (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) cable sutures while elevating the preperiosteal soft tissue. Methods We used a transconjunctival approach to expose the postseptal fat, orbital rim, and arcus marginalis. Subperiosteal dissection over the orbital rim was performed to prepare a pocket for the malar fat pads. Using 6.5-cm Keith needles, we placed a braided suture medially, lateral to the location of the infraorbital nerve and foramen, and maneuvered it through the soft tissue until all signs of dimpling at the nasolabial line or upward distortion of the upper lip were removed. A Gore-Tex graft was introduced and seated in a cupped configuration that anchored the caudal fat pad at the nasolabial line. The medial fat pad and vascular pedicle were transposed over the orbital rim into the predissected pocket; the central fat pad was also fashioned into a pedicle and moved into its pocket. The Gore-Tex sutures were tightened, elevating the supraperiosteal soft tissue vertically. A second set of Gore-Tex sutures elevated the anterior midface soft tissue toward the deep temporal fascia. Results Between 1999 and 2002, 197 patients underwent bidirectional anterior midface lift with Gore-Tex sutures, combined with ancillary procedures. Use of the Gore-Tex cable sutures enabled improvement in the periorbitum, midcheek, and neck, as well as a more harmonious facial appearance in all patients, with few complications. Conclusions The bidirectional cable-suture technique is simple, effective, and safe. It provides secure fixation and filling of the nasojugal hollow and improvement of the malar eminence. It is less effective in the periorbitum and does not seem to correct the recalcitrant nasolabial fold.