Extended Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System Face-Lift With Vertical Vector for Asian Patients: A 3-Dimensional Analysis of Facial Contour

Abstract

In this study, the authors report the experience of extended superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) face-lift with the vertical vector in Asian ethnicity and investigate the 3-dimensional change of facial contour. A total of 32 patients with Korean ethnicity underwent extended SMAS face-lift with vertical vector from 2015 to 2018. Patients with aging face were included for the study subjects, whereas those who were diagnosed with any craniofacial deformity were excluded. Using 3-dimensional photogrammetry, surface contour analysis was performed in the cheek region to calculate the mean, maximal, and minimal difference of surface projection and global root mean square error between the preoperative and 1-year postoperative period. The change of horizontal facial widths and jawline angle was evaluated. In contour analysis, the mean difference of surface contour was highest in anterior, followed by lateral cheek and lower face, sequentially. The maximal difference of surface contour was highest in anterior cheek, followed by lateral cheek and lower face, whereas the minimal difference of surface contour was lowest in lower face, followed by anterior cheek and lateral cheek, sequentially. No significant differences in the midfacial and lower facial distances were observed between the preoperative and postoperative periods. There was significant increase of jawline angle, from 20.78 to 23.14 degree of mean value (P=0.001). In conclusion, the extended SMAS face-lift with vertical vector can be an optimal option for Asian subjects in terms of the midfacial volumetric shift, sharpening of jawline and avoidance of midfacial widening.