The buried guide suture method: a novel technique to correct traumatic facial dimples

Abstract

Summary: Facial dimpling, frequently occurring after blunt trauma, presents as soft-tissue depression, which is particularly apparent during facial expression. The displacement of subcutaneous tissue can be detected and measured by high-frequency ultrasound. Limited surgical methods have been applied in these closed-injury cases. Repositioning the subcutaneous tissue without incisions on unscarred skin is challenging. The authors propose a novel three-dimensional technique to suture and fix the subcutaneous tissue at a distance through a concealed incision. The buried guide suture method was used in the treatment of 22 patients with traumatic facial dimples on the cheek. All patients showed great improvement in their depressed deformity with minor complications. This technique provides an option to correct soft-tissue depression without leaving a visible scar, especially for mimetic rupture caused by blunt trauma.