Aesthetic Temporal Augmentation with the Pedicled Temporoparietal Fascia Flap.

ABSTRACT

INDRODUCTION The contour of the temple area can significantly influence the overall facial shape and proportions. To date, various methods and techniques have been used to augment the deficient temporal fossa; however, each of these approaches has certain inherent limitations. The present study aimed to transfer the temporoparietal fascia flap (TPFF) to the frontotemporal regions for aesthetic temporal augmentation. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 13 cases with temporal depression who underwent a TPFF procedure for aesthetic temporal augmentation. These cases were operated for three years, from January 1, 2020, to December 1, 2023, at Nanjing Second Hospital, Nanjing, China. RESULTS: The data of bilateral temple width showed a measurement of 12.20 ± 0.53 cm (preoperative) and 14.36 ± 0.41 cm (postoperative), with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). There were no postoperative complications, including hematomas, infection, or facial nerve injuries. All patients were followed for 6 to 48 months (mean 18 months) and exhibited cosmetic improvement. Overall, 10 patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results, while 3 were unsatisfied due to undercorrected depression. During the follow-up period, the temple volume was maintained. The frontal temple exhibited a smooth contour, and scalp baldness at the incision site was inconspicuous. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with other methods, the pedicled TPFF flap transfer is a safe and effective technique for correcting depressions in the frontotemporal regions. 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 .