A Multicenter Noncomparative Clinical Study on Midface Rejuvenation Using a Nonabsorbable Polypropylene Mesh: Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety

Abstract

BackgroundFacial rejuvenation can be achieved using a variety of techniques. Since minimally invasive procedures for face lifting have become popular because of their convenience and short operating time, numerous minimally invasive surgical procedures have been developed. In this study, a nonabsorbable polypropylene mesh is introduced as a new face lifting instrument, with the nasolabial fold as the main target area. In this paper, we report the efficacy and safety of a polypropylene mesh in midface rejuvenation.MethodsThirty-three subjects with moderate-to-severe nasolabial folds were enrolled from two medical institutions for a noncomparative single-sample study. A mesh was inserted above the superficial muscular aponeurotic system layer, reaching the nasolabial folds through a temporal scalp incision. After 3 weeks, the temporal end of the mesh was pulled to provide a lifting effect. Then, the mesh was fixed to the deep temporal fascia using nonabsorbable sutures. To evaluate efficacy, we compared the scores on the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale and a visual analog scale for patient satisfaction between the baseline and 7 weeks postoperatively. In addition, we evaluated safety based on the incidence of adverse events.ResultsThe treatment was deemed effective at improving wrinkles in 23 of 28 cases, and patient satisfaction improved significantly during the study period. There were seven cases of skin or subcutaneous tissue complications, including edema and erythema, but there were no suspected serious adverse events.ConclusionsFace lifting using a nonabsorbable mesh can improve nasolabial folds without serious adverse effects. Thus, this technique is safe and effective for midface rejuvenation.

Facelift: Current Concepts, Techniques, and Principles

“…Face lifting using a nonabsorbable mesh can improve nasolabial folds without serious adverse effects. So, this is a safe and effective technique in midface rejuvenation [65].…”

Experimental Investigation on the Tissue Response Induced by Face-Lifting Mesh Suspension Thread in Rats

“…PP meshes are used in many fields of surgery besides face-lifts. For example, the use of a mesh supporting system in a double-skin technique for mammoplasty and in the closure of the abdominal wall in numerous other operations has been reported 25 26 . The advantages of PP monofilament mesh suspension thread include increased tensile strength and placement in the sub-SMAS plane.…”

“…Kwon et al 28 demonstrated that a PP mesh had sufficient mechanical strength and stretching force for use in brow suspension. Pak et al 25 also used PP mesh in nasolabial folds and reported that there were no serious adverse effects in treated patients. However, as with every newly developed procedure and the associated materials, there are benefits and drawbacks that must be carefully evaluated.…”

A New Complex Minimally Invasive Thread Lift Method for One-Time Three-Step Fixation of the Face and Neck Soft Tissues

“…These days, when the life expectancy of people is increasing, and youth and beauty are being actively promoted everywhere, aesthetic medicine is in great demand, and one of the main tasks becomes the elimination of the external signs of aging of the body; therefore, the last few years have been characterized by a surge of interest in the methods of support and reinforcement of the superficial soft tissues of the face and neck. 1 2 3 4…”

“…These days, when the life expectancy of people is increasing, and youth and beauty are being actively promoted everywhere, aesthetic medicine is in great demand, and one of the main tasks becomes the elimination of the external signs of aging of the body; therefore, the last few years have been characterized by a surge of interest in the methods of support and reinforcement of the superficial soft tissues of the face and neck. [1][2][3][4] For a long time, face lift surgery was the main way to correct age-related changes of the face and neck. However, any surgical intervention usually includes skin incisions, suturing, risk of infection, pronounced postoperative scars, and a long rehabilitation period.…”