Using methyl methacrylate in forehead contouring for aesthetic purposes

Abstract

Various methods using autologous bone grafts or alloplastic implants have been reported for the contouring of flat or depressed foreheads; the majority of these reports deal with correction of cranial deformities arising from injuries or congenital conditions. These methods all require relatively or quite invasive procedures. However, it is of course desirable if cosmetic surgery can be performed with minimally invasive procedures. The author presents an outpatient procedure using methyl methacrylate for aesthetic forehead contouring. From January 2006 to November 2012, 210 patients underwent methyl methacrylate forehead augmentation on an all outpatient basis. Under only local anesthesia, a V-shaped transverse scalp incision (5 cm length) was made behind the front hair line, followed by subperiosteal dissection of the skin covering the forehead. Methyl methacrylate was inserted and manually molded to the desired contour through the skin. The amount of methyl methacrylate used ranged from 10 to 40 mL, with a mean of 25 mL, depending on the size and shape. The follow-up period ranged from 3 months to 6 years, averaging 45 months, and with the exception of a very small percentage, all patients were satisfied with the results. Based on these results, the author concludes that aesthetic forehead augmentation using methyl methacrylate is an effective surgical procedure with minimal side effects and a high degree of patient satisfaction.