Micro Suspension Bi-Directional Absorbable Cone Mid-Face Lift

Goals/Purpose: Soft tissue repositioning has been the hallmark of facelift surgery. Patients are demanding less invasive technique which deliver faster results and they are more tolerant of temporary results. Absorbable microsuspension cone treatments achieve these goals. Malar involution due to boney resorption and midface descent are clinical signs of aging and the most sought after treatments for facial rejuvenation.

Methods/Technique: Bi-directional absorbable Ploy-L-Lactic Acid Cones and sutures are deployed through #18 gauge needle punctures at the apex of the malar mound. The cones are deployed in the deep subcutaneous layer and hook on the retaining ligaments of the mid-face. The resultant tightening of the cones delivers malar mound convergence and elevates the soft tissue. 45 patients underwent treatments. 42 were women and 3 were men. 3 patients required repeat treatment to achieve desire results. The age range was 29 to 71 with the average 45.5 years old. THe BMI range was 18.9 to 29.7 with the average 24.5. Coterminous procedures were performed in 24 procedures. 18 patients had a crescent of skin excised along the sideburns to remove excess bunching skin from the malar lift. 3 patients had chin filler. 3 patients had simultaneous fat grafting.

Results/Complications: There were no complications. Patients had a high degree of satisfaction.

Conclusion: The goal of facial rejuvenation is reversal of malar mound descent. While surgical repositioning with facelift remains the premier treatment, patients are exploring minimally invasive treatments which have less permanent results but faster recovery times. Microsuspension absorbable cone lift technique delivers a 2 fold improvement. The malar lift at retaining ligaments and conversion to volumization with the resorption of the Poly-L-Lactic acid over 12 months. Combined treatment can be used to address excess skin being repositioned as well as addressing facial volume loss or hypoplastic chin. The complication rate for these combined procedures is low and patient satisfaction is high. Patient selection for procedures is important.