Autologous superficial musculoaponeurotic system graft as implantable filler in nasolabial fold correction.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) graft implantation can improve the appearance of the nasolabial fold.


METHODS
Single-blinded cohort study in a private facial plastic surgery practice. Treatment and control patients were selected from those presenting for aesthetic surgery. All patients underwent rhytidectomy with SMAS imbrication by a single surgeon. In addition, treatment patients underwent subcutaneous implantation of excised SMAS strips to the nasolabial fold. Treatment and control patients were matched for any other simultaneous procedures known to affect appearance of the nasolabial folds. Preoperative and postoperative photographs were graded by 3 blinded observers using the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale to evaluate the nasolabial fold. Postoperative photographs were evaluated approximately 3 months and again 1 year after the procedure.


RESULTS
Compared with controls, there was a significant difference in the nasolabial folds of patients undergoing SMAS implantation at the 3-month postoperative evaluation (P = .03; chi(2) = 4.696). This benefit was lost when the results were evaluated 1 year after the procedure (P = .88; chi(2) = 0.0212).


CONCLUSIONS
Superficial musculoaponeurotic system implantation to the nasolabial folds offers modest temporary improvement to this area in patients undergoing rhytidectomy with SMAS imbrication.
Moody
Marcus W
MW
Rousso Facial Plastic Surgery, Univrersity of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35223, USA.
Dozier
Thomas S
TS
Garza
Robert F
RF
Bowman
Michael K
MK
Rousso
Daniel E
DE
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous