Vertical Midface Lifting: An Improved Technique for Asians.

BACKGROUND

Treatment of the aging midface is increasingly deemed a key part of facial and periorbital rejuvenation. Compared with Westerners, Asians tend to have a relatively prominent zygoma and mandibular angle, thicker dermis, and greater propensity for scar formation.

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to review our surgical method of vertical midface lifting in Asian patients and evaluate the clinical outcomes.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: This retrospective observational study involved 116 Asian women who complained of an aged midface. All patients underwent midface rejuvenation surgery with one lower eyelid incision and 2 small frontal-temporal incisions. Clinical results were assessed objectively using photographs and subjectively by a patient satisfaction survey.

RESULTS

All patients recovered well without major complications. High patient satisfaction (94%) was attained. The improvement scores as evaluated by the panel demonstrated a higher level of improvement for the malar eminence (8.3 ± 0.6), nasojugal groove (8.0 ± 0.8), and nasolabial fold (7.9 ± 0.7) than for the lower face (6.2 ± 1.0).

CONCLUSION

Our vertical midface lift technique is safe and effective for older Asian patients with a midface aging appearance.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.