Finding the main facial aging vector force to reverse the impact of soft tissues and weak ligaments to the original youthful face

Abstract

Background: In order to reverse a flabby face, we need to be aware of where the main vectorial aging face force, which is the sum of the descendent forces like gravity, attenuated ligaments and facial fat deflation, is placed. Main soft tissues promote medial inferior deflation and fat compartment shape changes. Aims: We propose a new method to find the angle of the main vectorial facial aging without the need to visualize the zygomaticus major muscle directly, but instead by doing a finger test by pulling the skin upwards and laterally with the patient’s head in the upright position. Patients/ Methods: We collected facial measures from 73 female subjects within the Brazilian population, aged between 30 to 69 years old. Then, the main aging vector angle was measured on each participant sitting in the upright position guided by a standardized protocol. Results: The median aging vector angle was made and the patients were divided into age-groups from 30 to 39 years old (52.5o), from 40 to 49 (51o); 50 to 59 (55o) and 60 to 69 (51o). Conclusions: According to our study and statistical analysis we could find the main facial aging vector angle between 30 and 69 years old didn’t vary significantly and was around 51°to 55°. Our aim was to propose guidance to a better natural surgical or nonsurgical lifting strategy that focuses on the reversal of flabby tissues (inferomedially) by counteracting the main facial aging vector force toward the superior-lateral facial area.