Volumizing viaducts of the midface: defining the Beut techniques.

BACKGROUND: In nonsurgical facial rejuvenation, autologous fat and dermal fillers have become an effective method to achieve symmetry and balance of the midface. Nonsurgical techniques that target the dynamic anatomical relationships existing in the midface can improve rejuvenation outcomes in this commonly augmented region. OBJECTIVES: The authors described techniques for fat compartment and potential space volumization of the midface via a standardized and reproducible technique. They placed emphasis on access to anatomical spaces and compartments within the midface. METHODS: In 11 hemifacial cadavers, hyaluronic acid filler homogenized with red dye was injected via 3 midfacial ports that were anatomically designed to access the superficial fat compartments, deep fat compartments, or traverse the prezygomatic space. Specimens were dissected in a layered fashion to analyze relationships between the injected filler and midfacial anatomy. We have described 4 site-specific procedural techniques and created a video containing anatomical renderings of each targeted viaduct accompanied by technique demonstrations. RESULTS: We found that Beut techniques 1 through 4 can be performed through 3 midfacial viaducts. Port placement 1.5 cm inferolateral to the alar base in the nasolabial crease created a medial midface viaduct, suitable for access to the deep medial cheek fat, medial superficial fat compartment, premaxillary space, and adjacent superior nasolabial cheek compartment. Port placement within the nasojugal groove provided a middle midface viaduct to access the middle superficial fat compartment and medial suborbicularis oculi fat (SOOF). Port placement 1.5 cm inferolateral to the lateral canthus created a lateral midface viaduct to approach the pre-periosteal fat, prezygomatic space, lateral SOOF, and infraorbital fat compartment. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that anterior and lateral cheek projection, V-deformity correction, rhytid softening, and tear trough effacement can be achieved through the midfacial viaducts. Systematic assessment and site-specific nonsurgical rejuvenation of the midface may lead to increased safety, accuracy, and technique reproducibility in this commonly injected region.

The Boomerang Lift: A Three-Step Compartment-Based Approach to the Youthful Cheek.

Autologous fat grafting is an important tool for plastic surgeons treating the aging face. Malar augmentation with fat is often targeted to restore the youthful facial contour and provides support to the lower eyelid. The existence of distinct facial fat compartments suggests that a stepwise approach may be appropriate in this regard. The authors describe a three-step approach to malar augmentation using targeted deep malar fat compartmental augmentation, termed the "boomerang lift." Clinical patients undergoing autologous fat grafting for malar augmentation were injected in three distinct deep malar fat compartments: the lateral sub-orbicularis oculi fat, the medial sub-orbicularis oculi fat, and the deep medial cheek (n = 9). Intraoperative three-dimensional images were taken at baseline and following compartmental injections (Canfield VECTRA H1). Images were overlaid between the augmented and baseline captures, and the three-dimensional surface changes were analyzed, which represented the resulting "augmentation zone." Three-dimensional analysis demonstrated a unique pattern for the augmentation zone consistent across patients. The augmentation zone resembled a boomerang, with the short tail supporting the medial lower lid and the long tail extending laterally along the zygomatic arch. The upper border was restricted by the level of the nasojugal interface, and the lower border was defined medially by the nasolabial fold and laterally by the level of the zygomaticocutaneous ligament. Lateral and medial sub-orbicularis oculi fat injections defined the boundaries of the boomerang shape, and injection to the deep medial cheek provided maximum projection. This is the first description of deep malar augmentation zones in clinical patients. Three-dimensional surface imaging was ideal for analyzing the surface change in response to targeted facial fat grafting. The authors' technique resulted in a reproducible surface shape, which they term the boomerang lift.

"No-Touch" Technique for Lip Enhancement.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the anatomical principles of lip structure as they relate to individualized lip enhancement procedures and to describe a technique that does not violate lip mucosa during injection. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing lip enhancement procedures between 2001 and 2014 was performed. Preprocedural and postprocedural photographs were analyzed for lip subunit changes. A stepwise treatment algorithm targeting specific anatomical subunits of lip is described. RESULTS: Four hundred ten patients were treated with a "no-touch" technique for lip enhancement. Lip profile is determined by the position of the white roll. The white roll is accessed by a 30-gauge needle at a point 5 mm lateral to the oral commissure and at the base of the philtral columns. Lip projection is established by vermilion formation contributing to the arc of the Cupid's bow. To improve projection, the labial commissure is entered with a 25-gauge cannula and tunneled into the submucosal space between the white and red rolls. Lip augmentation is a direct reflection of the prominence of the red line and can be approached in a perpendicular fashion with a needle or cannula descending to the level of the wet-dry junction. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate assessment of the white and red rolls, arc of Cupid's bow, philtrum, and gingival show can guide the injector on the proper enhancement that individual patients require. The no-touch technique minimizes mucosal trauma. Tailoring treatment toward lip profile, projection, and/or augmentation can yield predictable and reproducible outcomes in this commonly performed cosmetic procedure.

Pertinent anatomy and analysis for midface volumizing procedures.

BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to construct an anatomically inspired midfacial analysis facilitating safe, accurate, and dynamic nonsurgical rejuvenation. Emphasis is placed on determining injection target areas and adverse event zones. METHODS: Twelve hemifacial fresh cadavers were dissected in a layered fashion. Dimensional measurements between the midfacial fat compartments, prezygomatic space, mimetic muscles, and neurovascular bundles were used to develop a topographic analysis for clinical injections. RESULTS: A longitudinal line from the base of the alar crease to the medial edge of the levator anguli oris muscle (1.9 cm), lateral edge of the levator anguli oris muscle (2.6 cm), and zygomaticus major muscle (4.6 cm) partitions the cheek into two aesthetic regions. A six-step facial analysis outlines three target zones and two adverse event zones and triangulates the point of maximum cheek projection. The lower adverse event zone yields an anatomical explanation to inadvertent jowling during anterior cheek injection. The upper adverse event zone localizes the palpebral branch of the infraorbital artery. The medial malar target area isolates quadrants for anterior cheek projection and tear trough effacement. The middle malar target area addresses lid-cheek blending and superficial compartment turgor. The lateral malar target area highlights lateral cheek projection and locates the prezygomatic space. CONCLUSIONS: This stepwise analysis illustrates target areas and adverse event zones to achieve midfacial support, contour, and profile in the repose position and simultaneous molding of a natural shape during animation. This reproducible method can be used both procedurally and in record-keeping for midface volumizing procedures.