STOP Facial Aging Method™: A New Protocol for Facial Rejuvenation

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is currently no standardized and reproducible injection technique to address facial aging at all anatomical levels. OBJECTIVE: The Sebban Technique One-point (STOP) Facial Aging Method™ for hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers aims to provide predictive results using a single point of entry. METHODS: STOP combines two complementary techniques: Deep One-point (DOP) and Superficial One-point (SOP). DOP targets the deep plane to restructure the facial architecture, while SOP targets the superficial and deeper hypodermic planes to add volume and provide optimal tissue hydration. The injection procedure involves one DOP phase and two SOP phases using an HA filler appropriate for the treatment indication and injection depth. STOP has been investigated in a retrospective, open-label observational case series. RESULTS: Data from 10 women, aged 41 to 59 years, with varying stages of facial aging were retrospectively examined. Eight had received DOP with bolus injections of a cohesive HA filler and nine had received SOP using an HA filler with good elasticity to target the deep or superficial hypodermis. The mean total volume of HA filler injected (all HA fillers combined) was 5.46mL (range: 4.0-7.0mL) for the whole face. Physician and patient satisfaction with the treatment was high and all subjects stated that they would recommend the treatment to their friends. The STOP protocol was well-tolerated and no complications were observed during the DOP or SOP phases. CONCLUSIONS: STOP is a reproducible and safe technique for global facial rejuvenation with a single cannular point of entry.

Keywords: Hyaluronic acid; deep and superficial volume loss; global face approach; one-point technique.

FIGURE 1.

STOP Facial Aging Method™ illustration of grid lines used in the treatment protocol for a female face

FIGURE 2.

A) Deep One-point injection technique illustrating the single cannula entry point E, axes of treatment, and bolus injection points; B) Deep One-point technique in a male patient illustrating the triangle of masculinity

FIGURE 3.

Superficial one-point technique illustrating fanning nappage technique

FIGURE 4.

A) Cadaver studies illustrating boluses after Deep One-point technique and; B) fans of filler after Superficial One-point technique

FIGURE 5.

Magnetic resonance imaging sequences showing placement of hyaluronic acid filler; example of patient; bilateral and symmetrical distributions of the filler is observed with no anomaly of the surrounding anatomical unit or tissues.

FIGURE 6.

Before and after images of patients treated with the STOP protocol; A) The woman in the 30–40-year-old category received 2mL of filler in the cheek bones, 2mL in the jawline, and 1mL for the infraorbital hollows; B) The woman in the 40–50-year-old category received 2mL in the cheekbones, 2mL in the jawline, and 4mL in the middle and lower third of the face; C) The woman in the 50–60-year-old category received 4mL in the temples, 4mL in the cheek bones, 2mL in the jawline, 2mL in the lips, and 4mL in the neck.

FIGURE 7.

Results of patient satisfaction survey at 8 months evaluating satisfaction with aesthetic effects of treatment and effect on skin quality

FIGURE 8.

A) Before and; B) after photos of a male patient treated with the STOP protocol who received 4mL of filler in the cheekbones, 1mL in the chin, and 2mL along the jawline and mandibular notches