10 Sep New Plastic Surgery Approach Allows For Total Face Rejuvenation
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Achih H. Chen, MD, FACS, FAACS
Georgia Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, Evans, Ga and the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
Georgia Regents University, August, Ga
Medical Research: What is the significance of the study?
Dr. Chen : This is the first time that facial rejuvenation surgery using surgical approaches in three planes combined with ablative resurfacing has been reported in the medical literature. This approach was not previously thought possible in a single surgical setting because of the concern about disrupting the facial blood supply that may result in loss of the skin. The study demonstrates the safety of this “Total Face” approach. This approach allows simultaneous tightening of the jawline and neck, recreating the lost youthful volume of the midface region, and restoring of the smooth skin texture so characteristic of a young face. This allows for a more complete or “Total Face Rejuvenation” for patients while allowing them the flexibility for a single recovery period or downtime.
Medical Research: What are the main findings of the study?
Dr. Chen : The study demonstrates that facial rejuvenation surgery involving surgical approaches in the sub-periosteal plane (below the lining of the bone), the sub-SMAS plane (superficial musculoaponeurotic system—layer of fat and muscle in the face and neck), and sub-cutaneous plane (below the skin) could be combined with ablative laser resurfacing without increased risk.
Medical Research: Why should surgeons and patients consider a three plane surgical approach to facial rejuvenation?
Dr. Chen : Traditionally, the gold standard to rejuvenating the aging face has been thought of as a tightening procedure, specifically facelift surgery. However, aging of the face involves more than just sagging. Tightening only facial rejuvenation approaches often results in a “pulled” or “operated” appearance. A substantial portion of the aging face involves the loss of volume, especially in the midface region. The youthful face has fullness and volume. As time passes, the volume is lost. The result is very similar to air escaping from a balloon. As air escapes a balloon, it sags. This similar loss of volume causes downward sagging and flattening of the midface and a resulting deepening of the nasolabial folds (the lines running from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth or the “parentheses”). In addition, with aging the surface of the skin begins to show a cobblestone texture and pigment irregularities. Simultaneous three plane surgical facial rejuvenation with ablative laser resurfacing allows restoring the jawline and neck, recreating youthful midface volume, and smoothing of the texture of the skin in a single surgical setting.
Medical Research: Were any of the findings unexpected?
Dr. Chen : This study contradicts conventional thought that a three plane surgical approach to facial rejuvenation surgery should not be combined with ablative laser resurfacing in a single surgical setting.
Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Dr. Chen : More complete, natural-appearing facial rejuvenation surgery may be safely and effectively performed in a single surgical setting allowing patients the flexibility for a single recovery period.
Citation:
Last Updated on September 10, 2014 by Marie Benz MD FAAD