Three-dimensional rejuvenation of the midface: volumetric resculpture by malar imbrication

Abstract

The rejuvenation technique of malar imbrication, which avoids dissection in the plane of the seventh cranial nerve, is presented to address the author's altered priorities in midfacial rejuvenation. These priorities target volumetric over tension-based goals in a manner that is simpler, safer, and more sculpturally effective than existing techniques. Volumetric manipulations in the subperiosteal and subcutaneous planes also bring substantial rejuvenation to the periorbital and perioral regions, without lip or lower lid incisions. Fourteen of the 172 patients (8 percent) who underwent consecutive procedures for primary facial rejuvenation suffered temporary upper lip paresis. Other complications were infrequent and limited. One patient underwent reoperation for asymmetry. Increased postoperative swelling and recovery are a necessary consequence of the subperiosteal component, just as increased operative time attends the wide undermining of the subcutaneous component. Despite these liabilities, the author recommends adding volumetric resculpture to the existing conventional tools of soft-tissue displacement under tension and topical resurfacing in pursuit of safer, more effective, and more natural rejuvenation of the aging face.