A new procedure for improvement of the ptotic melolabial fold.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate a new surgical technique for improving the ptotic melolabial fold.


METHODS
Case series.


METHODS
University medical center.


METHODS
Consecutive sample of 8 patients with ptotic melolabial folds.


METHODS
Preoperative and postoperative analysis evaluating surgical intervention. Surgical treatment of the ptotic melolabial fold consists of 3 steps: removal of ptotic adipose tissue, excision of a crescent-shaped segment of skin along the nasoalar crease, and detachment of the dermal-connective tissue attachments.


METHODS
Evaluation of the improvement of the ptotic melolabial folds and correlation with concomitant aesthetic surgical procedures.


CONCLUSIONS
Early results demonstrated improvement in the ptotic melolabial fold. Patients were pleased with the procedure, rating improvement as fair to good. The surgeons' evaluation correlated well with the patients' evaluation.
Smith
L F
LF
Institute of Facial Surgery, Murray, Utah, USA.
Hoff
M J
MJ
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000379:methods*