Arch Plast Surg.  2015 Sep;42(5):572-579. 10.5999/aps.2015.42.5.572.

A Multicenter Noncomparative Clinical Study on Midface Rejuvenation Using a Nonabsorbable Polypropylene Mesh: Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety

• Pak CS
• Chang LS
• Lee H
• Jeong JH
• Jeong J
• Yoon ES
• Heo CY

• KMID: 2391872
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2015.42.5.572

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Facial rejuvenation can be achieved using a variety of techniques. Since minimally invasive procedures for face lifting have become popular because of their convenience and short operating time, numerous minimally invasive surgical procedures have been developed. In this study, a nonabsorbable polypropylene mesh is introduced as a new face lifting instrument, with the nasolabial fold as the main target area. In this paper, we report the efficacy and safety of a polypropylene mesh in midface rejuvenation.
METHODS
Thirty-three subjects with moderate-to-severe nasolabial folds were enrolled from two medical institutions for a noncomparative single-sample study. A mesh was inserted above the superficial muscular aponeurotic system layer, reaching the nasolabial folds through a temporal scalp incision. After 3 weeks, the temporal end of the mesh was pulled to provide a lifting effect. Then, the mesh was fixed to the deep temporal fascia using nonabsorbable sutures. To evaluate efficacy, we compared the scores on the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale and a visual analog scale for patient satisfaction between the baseline and 7 weeks postoperatively. In addition, we evaluated safety based on the incidence of adverse events.
RESULTS
The treatment was deemed effective at improving wrinkles in 23 of 28 cases, and patient satisfaction improved significantly during the study period. There were seven cases of skin or subcutaneous tissue complications, including edema and erythema, but there were no suspected serious adverse events.
CONCLUSIONS
Face lifting using a nonabsorbable mesh can improve nasolabial folds without serious adverse effects. Thus, this technique is safe and effective for midface rejuvenation.

Keyword

Polypropylene; Rhytidoplasty; Facelift

MeSH Terms

Edema
Erythema
Fascia
Incidence
Lifting
Nasolabial Fold
Patient Satisfaction
Polypropylenes*
Rejuvenation*
Rhytidoplasty
Scalp
Skin
Subcutaneous Tissue
Surgical Procedures, Minimally Invasive
Sutures
Visual Analog Scale
Polypropylenes