SMAS repositioning technique utilizing cog thread: Anatomical perspectives.

INTRODUCTION: Face-lifting surgeries were once common among individuals over 60 years old due to skin laxity, but recent trends favor thread lifting in this age group. Understanding dynamic changes in facial anatomy during postural shifts is essential. METHOD: Fresh cadaver studies have demonstrated the passage of threads through the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer, confirming the efficacy of the technique. Proper insertion depth targeting SMAS repositioning, rather than superficial skin layers, is crucial. RESULT: The natural movement of tissues secured by thread (N-Cog and N-Fix, N-Finders Inc., Korea) insertion results in lifting effects. However, complications may arise if threads affect deeper facial muscles, leading to discomfort. Fibrous septa play a significant role in guiding thread placement, with different densities influencing thread maneuverability and tissue response during lifting. CONCLUSION: Procedures targeting SMAS repositioning using threads aim to maintain the new position of relocated tissues. Understanding structural variations in facial regions informs thread selection and placement. Aligning threads with tissue movement and the intended SMAS layer positioning is vital to prevent complications. Balancing thread insertion depth and tissue traction is critical for successful outcomes. Modern thread lifting techniques prioritize SMAS repositioning, enhancing lifting effects while ensuring procedure safety and efficacy.

The Platysma Contraction Pattern in Healthy Adults: A Vector Analysis Study.

BACKGROUND: The platysma muscle's role in lower face dynamics is complex. Multiple insertion points to soft-tissue structures at various levels in the lower face create a multifaceted contraction pattern. To avoid adverse effects in cosmetic procedures when targeting the platysma, its anatomy and physiology must be understood. Clinical observations hint at a bidirectional contraction pattern. METHODS: Eighteen healthy volunteers (13 women and five men) with a mean age of 44.2 ± 10.1 years were enrolled. Skin displacement vector analysis was used on maximal platysma contraction to characterize and calculate the movement of the neck and lower face skin. RESULTS: In all of the participants, a bidirectional movement of the skin was observed: the skin of the lower face and inferior to the jawline moved caudally, whereas the skin of the lower neck moved cephalad. Both movements converged at a line situated at 54% ± 10% and 55% ± 8% of the length between the clavicle and the inferior base of the ear lobe in men and women, respectively ( P = 0.70). CONCLUSIONS: The platysma is a bidirectional muscle with a line of convergence. Whereas the superior portion acts as lip depressor, the lower portion elevates the skin of the upper chest and lower neck. This transition can explain some of the clinically observed adverse effects of neuromodulation of the neck area. It can potentially direct neuromodulation injections to focus above the convergence line to better address lower face descent.

Histomorphological analysis of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system in Macaca mulatta species.

INTRODUCTION: The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) is a well described facial functional unit in humans. SMAS connects mimic musculature to the skin having many implication in facial mimic expression. One of the various morphological and physiological analogies in human and Macaca mulatta species is the facial mimic. The present study analyzed Macaca mulatta species SMAS morphology and its facial topographical differences and compared this with human SMAS tissue morphology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Macaca mulatta full-graft tissue blocks of skin, subcutaneous tissue and mimic muscles from five topographical different facial regions (Regio Temporalis, Regio Buccalis, Regio Infraorbitalis, Regio Angulus Oris and Regio Mandibularis) were collected postmortem from eight individuals (n = 8) at the German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research in Göttingen (DPZ) and studied histologically. Haematoxylin-eosin and azan stained histological serial sections of full-graft tissue blocks were analyzed and SMAS topographical differences evaluated. RESULTS: SMAS typical tissue morphology was recognized in all Macaca mulatta histological serial sections (n = 780). Regio Infraorbitalis Macaca mulatta SMAS (MmSMAS) morphology was similar to human infraorbital SMAS morphology (type I SMAS). Suborbicularis oculi fat pad was recognized in Macaca mulatta samples. Human type I similar SMAS morphology was demonstrated over Macaca mulatta Regio Temporalis and Regio Buccalis. Regio Angulus Oris and the cranial area of the Regio Mandibularis presented human type II similar SMAS morphology. Type IV MmSMAS was closely related to the parotid gland tissue presence. The cervical area of the Regio Mandibularis presented human type V similar SMAS morphology. CONCLUSIONS: SMAS is a complex fibro-musculo-adipose tissue network and probably an important pivot in Macaca mulatta facial system supporting mimic expression. This study provided insights into MmSMAS typology and similarity with human SMAS tissue morphology.

Three sublayers in the SMAS: Observations of facial soft tissue using the stretched tissue dissection method focusing on the SMAS.

The characteristics of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), including the morphology of each part and the connection between tissues, remain controversial. The purpose of this study is to clarify the anatomy of the SMAS using our new dissection method. In this study, six hemi-sides of heads from formalin-preserved cadavers were used. Three were used for creating a horizontal section and three were used for creating the section along the axial line perpendicular to the surface of the skin, resulting in a gradual change from the coronal section at the lateral to the sagittal section at the median. The resected head was cut into slices with widths of 7 mm. The stretched tissue dissection method was performed by fixing a tissue slice to a board and pulling the skin outward to stretch the soft tissue. Blunt dissection was then performed under a microscope. The SMAS comprises three layers: superficial, intermediate, and deep. The superficial layer is a thin membrane directly connecting to the septa in the subcutaneous fat. The deep layer is the connective tissue in contact with the sub-SMAS structure. The layer surrounded by the superficial and deep layer of the SMAS is the intermediate layer, containing connective tissue, adipose tissue, and facial muscles. The detailed findings of the SMAS obtained using this method resolve theoretical discrepancies and provide important insight for the field of facial surgery.

Muscle spindles in the rhesus monkey platysma.

The platysma of the rhesus monkey consists of two parts: a platysma myoides located similar to the human platysma, and a platysma cervicale passing the dorsal cervical region and being in contact with the cheek pouch. Our investigation showed that the muscle fiber morphology was comparable in both parts. Muscle spindles were only present in regions connected to the cheek pouch and contained only nuclear chain fibers. It is tempting to speculate that they sense the filling of the cheek pouch rather than mimic activities.

Anatomy behind the Paramedian Platysmal Band: A Combined Cadaveric and Computed Tomographic Study.

BACKGROUND: The muscular hypothesis explanation of the pathophysiology behind paramedian platysmal bands does not seem to provide a sufficient explanation for the clinical presentation of these platysmal bands in aged individuals with cervical soft-tissue laxity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the fascial relationships of the anterior neck to enhance appropriate surgical treatment. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of computed tomographic scans of 50 Caucasian individuals (mean age, 55.84 ± 17.5 years) and anatomical dissections of 20 Caucasian and 10 Asian body donors (mean age, 75.88 ± 10.6 years) were conducted. Fascial adhesions were classified according to platysma fusion types, and platysma mobility was tested during dissection procedures. RESULTS: Fusion between the left and right platysma muscles occurred in 64 percent in the suprahyoid region and in 20 percent at the thyroid cartilage, and in 16 percent, the platysma attached to the mandible without fusion. In the absence of muscular fibers, a fascial adhesion zone with limited mobility was observed where the superficial cervical fascia fused with the investing layer of the deep cervical fascia. CONCLUSIONS: Muscular contraction of the platysma results in elevation of the most medial platysma muscle fibers, which are not attached in the fascial adhesion zone. The presence of a fatty layer deep to the platysma enables platysmal movement and anterior and inferior gliding of the skin and platysma when cervical soft-tissue laxity exists. Surgical treatments should include transection of the fascial adhesion; this could potentially prevent the recurrence of paramedian platysmal bands.

Three-dimensional topography of facial soft tissues for the safer and effective threading procedures.

INTRODUCTION: To reduce complications caused by the procedure, the target layer for thread lifting should be the superficial fat or superficial musculoaponeurotic system of the face. The aim of this study was to establish the thicknesses of the facial skin and superficial fat using a 3D scanning system to provide basic clinical data for thread lifting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty fixed Korean and Thai cadavers (male: 17, female: 13) were used. The depths of the skin and superficial fat were measured using a three dimensional (3D) structured-light scanner. Facial images of both undissected and removed skin and superficial fat were taken with the 3D scanner. The paths from the temple and the front of the tragus to the infraorbital, perioral, cheek, and mental areas were displayed on the 3D image. The thickness along the path was measured by calculating the difference between the undissected and dissected 3D images. RESULTS: The means and standard deviations of thicknesses of the skin and superficial fat were 2.1 ± 0.4 mm and 5.2 ± 1.9 mm in the 11 pathways. The facial skin became thicker going toward the lower aspect of the face from temple to infraorbtial and perioral regions. The thickness of the superficial fat around the marionette line showed the biggest change. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings indicate that a 3D scanning system can yield crucial anatomical information about the thickness of the facial skin and superficial fat for use in various minimally invasive clinical procedures including thread lifting.

Anatomical Continuation Between the Sub-Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System Fat and Retro-Orbicularis Oculi Fat: The True Nature of the Retro-Orbicularis Oculi Fat.

Objective: This study aims to analyze the anatomical location and continuation between the retro-orbicularis oculi fat (ROOF) and sub-superficial musculoaponeurotic system fat (subSMAS fat; named "innominate fascia") by comparing their layered structures, thereby letting us suggest a safe minimally invasive procedure guideline for the forehead and temple. Methods: Ultrasonographic scanning was performed from the upper medial eyebrow to the lateral side of the superior temporal line in 109 volunteers. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed on five specimens at the same area as ultrasonographic scanning. Then, four embalmed cadavers were dissected from the orbicularis oculi, frontalis muscle, superficial temporal fascia, and SMAS to confirm the location and continuation pattern of the ROOF and subSMAS fat. Results: On ultrasonography and histological images, there was a continuous fatty layer from the ROOF to the subSMAS fat. When dissecting, the ROOF, which was located deep below the frontalis muscle, also continued to the subSMAS fat, passing through the superior temporal line in the upper temporal region. Conclusions: This study confirmed that the subSMAS fat is an anatomical fat structure that is continuous with the ROOF. Since the subSMAS fat layer is known as a less vascular area, it is considered a safer layer to avoid serious complications, and injecting accurately into the subSMAS fat layer has been a goal of clinicians. Based on this study, a cannula will safely approach the subSMAS fat through the ROOF injection that named "forehead-downward approach."

Upper Eyelid Ptosis Correction with Levator Advancement in Asian Patients using the Musculoaponeurotic Junction of the Levator as the Key Reference Point.

Upper eyelid ptosis correction is a complex procedure. The ethnic differences in the Asian upper eyelid anatomy are compounded by the technical challenges of primary and revision ptosis correction. The authors present a technique of upper eyelid ptosis correction that estimates the exact location of suture fixation that uses the musculoaponeurotic junction of the levator as the reference point. The preoperative considerations in determining the fixation point relative to the musculoaponeurotic junction include the following: A, the extent of ptosis correction needed; B, the degree of compensatory brow elevation with eye opening; and C, eye dominance. The benefits of this approach are the shortened operative time because of more precise preoperative planning and greater predictability and reproducibility of the results. The authors have found that this technique produced consistent and superior results for ptosis correction in Asian patients.

Superficial and Deep Facial Anatomy and Its Implications for Rhytidectomy.

The relationship of the skin, the superficial and deep fat compartments, and the ligaments that connect these structures is key to performing any rhytidectomy. In order to successfully mobilize, elevate, and reposition the facial soft tissues, a detailed understanding of facial anatomy is required. This article details the anatomy of the midface and neck that is essential to understanding and performing the face-lift operation.

Less Invasive Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System Approaches in Rhytidectomy: How, When, and Why.

As a facial plastic surgeon gains experience, further improvements can be gained with more aggressive surgery, but complications begin to occur when more aggressive measures are undertaken. Therefore, the ideal technique is one that maximizes rejuvenation while minimizing adverse effects. The senior author has found that the aggressive techniques in the region of the neck have improved dramatically the overall initial and long-term results for the neck portion of the rhytidectomy. More aggressive treatment of the midface during the modified deep plane rhytidectomy does not necessarily improve the overall long-term results, however, and can increase the complication rate.

Nuances in Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System Rhytidectomy.

Rhytidectomy techniques have evolved since the early 1900s. As the understanding of facial anatomy and the aging process expanded, the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) became a focal point in developing longer-lasting, natural results. Further evolution led to various approaches in repositioning the SMAS layer, including subperiosteal, composite, and deep plane rhytidectomies. This article describes the nuances of SMAS rhytidectomy, the biplanar SMAS imbrication technique, and adjuvant procedures used. This biplanar SMAS technique has been refined over more than 25 years and has proved to be a reliable and safe technique that leads to high patient satisfaction with minimal complications.

Incorporating Midline Platysmaplasty with Lateral Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System Facelifting.

Management of the platysma is key to achieving an ideal neck contour during rhytidectomy. This article reviews platysmal anatomy, indications for platysmaplasty, preoperative patient assessment, surgical technique for midline platysmaplasty, postoperative management, long-term outcomes, and the senior author's experience and philosophy on midline platysmaplasty in the setting of lateral superficial muscular aponeurotic system facelifting.

Platysma and the cervical superficial musculoaponeurotic system - Comparative analysis of facial crease and platysmal band development.

OBJECTIVE: The superficial musculoaponeurotic system connects the mimic muscles to the skin, allowing mimic expressions with regional morphological architectural differences. The aim of this study was to perform an architectural analysis of the cervical platysma-skin interaction, determine the morphological implications in platysmal band development and compare the findings to the facial SMAS architectural types. METHOD: Full-thickness blocks of skin, SMAS and platysma from seven hemifaces (three male and two female) and full-thickness blocks of skin, SMAS and mimic muscles of the periorbital, perioral, forehead and midfacial regions from six hemifaces (three male and three female) of donor bodies were collected postmortem. Serial histological sections were cut and stained with Azan. After the morphological analysis, three-dimensional reconstruction of the tissue block was performed with AutoCAD. The morphological and mechanical properties of the different facial SMAS types were compared with those of the cervical SMAS. RESULTS: The architecture of the cervical SMAS (type V) consists of parallel, aligned septum fibrosus profundus and septum fibrosus superficialis tissue connected by vertical, aligned septa fibrotica commisurales tissue delimiting fatty tissue compartments transferring platysmal contractions to the skin. The facial morphological dynamic mimic pattern (SMAS types I, II and III) describes the point-by-point transfer of mimic muscle bundle contractions to the skin, explaining facial crease formation. The cervical morphological dynamic mimic pattern (SMAS type V) can be explained by dual traction force collimation over the septum fibrosus superficialis and profundus in platysmal band development. CONCLUSIONS: The cervical SMAS (type V) description supports the hypothesis that the SMAS and platysma have different morphological origins. The two different facial and cervical morphological dynamic mimic patterns support the phenotypical difference between facial fold and platysmal band development.

Facial Anatomy for Filler Injection: The Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) Is Not Just for Facelifting.

Facial volumization with filler and/or fat has become an integral part of global facial rejuvenation and provides a finishing touch to harmonize the face after surgical repositioning of soft tissue. However, facial injection is not devoid of complications that can lead to suboptimal outcomes. This article journeys through the facial anatomy for the injector emphasizing the superficial musculoaponeurotic system as a centralized depth gauge facilitating navigation into deep and superficial injection targets. Based on this principle, the fat compartments, ligaments, potential spaces, and neurovascular structures are categorized into planes to assist the injector in performing safe and accurate volume correction.

Influence of Age, Sex, and Body Mass Index on the Depth of the Superficial Fascia in the Face and Neck.

BACKGROUND: Nonsurgical skin-tightening procedures are increasing in popularity, as patients seek aesthetic interventions that are safe with minimal downtime. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to provide precise data on the depth of the superficial fascia-the structure of action-of the face and neck. METHODS: One hundred fifty Caucasian individuals (75 men and 75 women) were investigated with a balanced distribution of age (n = 30 per decade: 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60-69 years) and body mass index (BMI) (n = 50 per group: BMI ≤ 24.9 kg/m, BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 kg/m, and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m). The distance between skin surface and the superficial fascia was measured through ultrasound in the buccal region, premasseteric region, and lateral neck. RESULTS: The mean distance between skin surface and superficial fascia was for the buccal region 4.82 ± 0.9 mm, range (2.60-6.90); for the premasseteric region 4.25 ± 0.6 mm, range (2.60-5.80); and for the lateral neck 3.71 ± 0.5 mm, range (2.0-5.0). The depth of the superficial fascia increased with increasing BMI, whereas it decreased with advanced age. CONCLUSION: Knowing the precise depth of the superficial fascia for nonsurgical skin-tightening procedures will guide practitioners toward safer and more effective outcomes.

Facial fold and crease development: A new morphological approach and classification.

Facial folds and creases are established descriptive anatomical terms for structures of which the morphological characteristics and origins are not clearly defined. The aim of this study was to perform a morphological investigation of the nasolabial fold (NLF), mandibular fold (MF), deep transverse forehead (DTFC), infraorbital fold (IOF) and upper eyelid fold (UEF), correlating their phenotypes to differences in the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), noting morphological differences and similarities. Full-graft tissue blocks of skin, subcutaneous tissue, and mimic muscles collected postmortem were studied histologically. Serial histological sections were stained with Azan. Location- and composition-specific morphological differences were determined. Histological serial section digitalization and three-dimensional reconstruction of the tissue blocks were performed. Three different types of SMAS architecture were identified. Type I SMAS consisted of parallel-aligned fibrous septa connecting the mimic muscles to the skin that covered the cheek, infraorbital and supraorbital, and forehead areas. Type II SMAS morphology appeared as a condensed Type I SMAS architecture with stronger fibrous septa and smaller fatty tissue compartments covering the lower and upper lip areas. Type III SMAS consisted of loose connective tissue covering the lower and upper eyelid regions. NLF, MF, IOF, and UEF are habitual primary folds induced by morphological changes in the underlying SMAS architecture. The secondary, accidental creases (DTFC) are cutaneous depressions derived from interacting dermal-skeletal-muscular changes without SMAS structure changes. The upper and lower eyelid wrinkles were tertiary, age-related undulating skin redundancy formations. Clin. Anat. 32:573-584, 2019. © 2019 The Authors. Clinical Anatomy published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Clinical Anatomists.