Autologous contouring the lower face

Published on 22/05/2015 by admin

Filed under Plastic Reconstructive Surgery

Last modified 22/05/2015

Print this page

rate 1 star rate 2 star rate 3 star rate 4 star rate 5 star
Your rating: none, Average: 0 (0 votes)

This article have been viewed 4913 times

CHAPTER 35 Autologous contouring the lower face

Physical evaluation

While the neoclassical artistic paradigm recommends that the lower-third of the face be divided into equal thirds – the upper lip, the lower lip, and the chin – such rules are only of limited utility in surgical planning. One of the principal errors a surgeon can make in assessing the lower-third of the face is to limit evaluation to the chin only – particularly the bony component of the chin. Rather, not only must the aesthetics of the chin be balanced in relation to the facial structure, but it is necessary to take into consideration the stature and sex of the patient as well. When evaluating the chin, a systematic approach to the physical examination is helpful. For example, when honing in on the lower third of the face, a step-by-step evaluation from nose to chin should include the lower midface, nasolabial folds, upper and lower lip relationship, incisor tooth show, labiomandibular fold, lower lip eversion and inclination, height and depth of the labiomental fold, chin pad thickness, static soft tissue ptosis, and dynamic chin pad motion with smile.

Large-format frontal, oblique, basilar, and lateral photographs in repose and animation are essential. Posteroanterior and lateral cephalograms, as well as a panoramic X-ray, can also be helpful. Any evaluation of the lower third of the face should also include the following points:

1. Midface evaluation

Malar fat pad

In a youthful midface, the superior border of the triangular shaped malar fat pad lies along the orbital rim and extends laterally to the zygomas (Fig. 35.1). The lateral border can be identified by drawing a line from the lateral canthus to the lateral commissure. The malar fat pad is located beneath the skin and subcutaneous fat, but it is superficial to the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS). It is fibrous and fatty, and it is readily distinguishable from the overlying subcutaneous fat. With advancing age, the malar fat pad descends inferiorly and medially. Ptosis of the malar fat pad empties the midface and accentuates tear-trough and nasolabial folds. To a lesser extent, this displacement also results in the formation of labiomandibular folds (marionette lines) and jowls.

2. Lip evaluation

4. Chin evaluation