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Anatomic Study of the Retaining Ligaments of the Face and Applications for Facial Rejuvenation

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Abstract

Background

The retaining ligaments of the face support the facial soft tissue in a normal anatomic position, thereby resisting gravitational change. In this study, a technique utilizing surgical plication of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) to the retaining ligaments of the face and finger-assisted malar elevation (FAME) dissection of the midface is presented.

Methods

The anatomy of the facial retaining ligaments was studied in 20 half-faces of ten fresh cadavers, and the localization of the ligaments was examined macroscopically. Surgical correction of facial aging with plication of the SMAS to the retaining ligaments and FAME dissection of the midface has been performed in 74 face-lift patients since 2006. Outcomes were determined by case notes, clinical review, and a patient questionnaire.

Results

The studied ligaments (zygomatic and masseteric) were present in all cadaver dissections. The zygomatic ligament was located 4.3–5.5 cm from the tragus and originates near the inferior border of the anterior zygomatic arch. The masseteric ligament was located 3.7–5.2 cm from the tragus below the junction of the zygomatic arch and masseter muscle. All the patients answered a satisfaction questionnaire and reported high levels of satisfaction at least 1 year after treatment.

Conclusions

We have identified the facial retaining ligaments in all cadaver dissections and their relationship with other structures of the face are described here. This study demonstrates that our face-lift technique is safe and produces highly predictable and natural results.

Level of Evidence IV

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Acknowledgments

We thank Dr. William Schneider for his help with the English for the manuscript.

Conflict of interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest or financial ties to disclose.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Jockey Salud Medical Center, Schell Street No. 1503, Miraflores, Lima, 18, Peru

    Percy Rossell-Perry & Percy Paredes-Leandro

Authors
  1. Percy Rossell-Perry
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  2. Percy Paredes-Leandro
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Correspondence to Percy Rossell-Perry.

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Rossell-Perry, P., Paredes-Leandro, P. Anatomic Study of the Retaining Ligaments of the Face and Applications for Facial Rejuvenation. Aesth Plast Surg 37, 504–512 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-012-9995-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-012-9995-x

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