title: Suture suspension technique for midface and neck rejuvenation.
abstract: Seventeen patients averaging 51 years of age underwent 23 surgical procedures, including suture suspension for both midface and neck rejuvenations. A 3/0 polypropylene thread with bioabsorbable cones with multiple point fixations in addition to 2 x 0.5-cm polypropylene surgical mesh are used in this technique. The mean postoperative, follow-up time was 9 months. Of the 17 patients, 12 underwent this procedure for midface rejuvenations, 3 for facial palsy, 5 for neck aesthetic procedures, 2 for brow ptosis, and 1 for brow asymmetry. The average number of sutures used for each face was 4 and 2 were used for each neck. The authors present an anatomic study for the safe placement of sutures, the surgical technique, and a microscopic photo documentation of the fibrosis around the suture knot and cone. All patients developed temporary edema. Two patients had a moderate aesthetic improvement of the face, and 1 patient underwent resuspension of the sutures 4 months postsurgery. Overall early patient satisfaction at 9 months was 90%. This technique has the potential to be a useful and effective clinical tool for minimally invasive face and neck rejuvenations.
authors.affiliation: Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical College of Georgia, 1467 Harper St, HB-5040, Augusta, GA 30912, USA. mgamboa@mcg.edu
authors.forename: Gloria Mabel
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Gamboa
authors.forename: Luis O
authors.initials: LO
authors.lastname: Vasconez
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000328:Adult; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery*; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009333:Neck / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012060:Rejuvenation; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013536:Suture Techniques