New Aesthetic Unit (NAU) Method: A Comprehensive Method Based on Accurate Anatomical Assessment and Precise Multilayering Panfacial Treatment for Hyaluronic Acid Fillers.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Recent progress in anatomy enables a more sophisticated approach to treat patients with facial aesthetic concerns (PFAC) with HA fillers. Furthermore, advances in rheology have offered a range of HA fillers with different biomechanical properties adapted to different indications. METHODS: Based on recent anatomical and rheological progresses, the author has developed a new methodology that couples an accurate patient assessment tool and a panfacial precise treatment instrument. In the presented method, the face is divided into 6 units called New Aesthetic Units (NAU). NAUs are classified on the extent of volume deficiency and asymmetry, ranging from none to moderate to severe deficiencies. After discussion with the patient regarding the assessment findings, a customized treatment plan, including timelines and number of sessions, is recommended. The modalities of the treatment are exhaustively described for each NAU based on multilayering, best practice medicine, and expert consensus available in the literature. RESULTS: Before-and after-case studies are presented to illustrate how the NAU method is used in routine practice for the treatment of two patients with HA fillers. CONCLUSION: The NAU method is not only a practical and accurate roadmap for the assessment and treatment of PFAC with HA fillers, but also facilitates communication between injectors and patients and data analysis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .