Faculty Bibliography

BACKGROUND:Autologous fat grafting is an increasingly preferred method for aesthetic facial rejuvenation. The authors' group previously described the concept of "lipotopography" as topographic surface changes that occur with fat grafting to discrete facial fat compartments. The purpose of this study was to define the "augmentation zone" of the lateral suborbicularis oculi fat compartment to understand the topographical surface changes following augmentation. METHODS:Nine cadaver hemifaces were injected with fat analogue at intervals from 1 to 4 cc. Three-dimensional photographs were taken at baseline and following each 1-cc incremental injection. The interval surface changes were calculated using three-dimensional software including perimeter, diameter, and projection. RESULTS:The augmentation zone of the lateral suborbicularis oculi fat compartment was characterized by a consistent shape and boundary. The shape was an elongated oval bound superiorly by the lid-cheek junction and inferiorly at the level of the zygomaticocutaneous ligament. Vertical and horizontal diameter and perimeter showed initial increases between 1 and 2 cc and then a plateau between 2 and 3 cc. Projection changes demonstrated an initial slow increase from 1 to 2 cc injection followed by nearly linear growth from 2 to 4 cc. CONCLUSIONS:Three-dimensional photography and computer analysis provide tools to understand the surface anatomy change in response to fat grafting specific facial fat compartments. Targeted volumization of the lateral suborbicularis oculi fat compartment also results in a unique surface change with consistent shape and anatomical boundaries. The lid-cheek junction and zygomaticocutaneous ligament were observed to restrict the expansion of fat analogue for all injection volumes. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:Therapeutic, V.

Autologous fat grafting is an important tool for plastic surgeons treating the aging face. Malar augmentation with fat is often targeted to restore the youthful facial contour and provides support to the lower eyelid. The existence of distinct facial fat compartments suggests that a stepwise approach may be appropriate in this regard. The authors describe a three-step approach to malar augmentation using targeted deep malar fat compartmental augmentation, termed the "boomerang lift." Clinical patients undergoing autologous fat grafting for malar augmentation were injected in three distinct deep malar fat compartments: the lateral sub-orbicularis oculi fat, the medial sub-orbicularis oculi fat, and the deep medial cheek (n = 9). Intraoperative three-dimensional images were taken at baseline and following compartmental injections (Canfield VECTRA H1). Images were overlaid between the augmented and baseline captures, and the three-dimensional surface changes were analyzed, which represented the resulting "augmentation zone." Three-dimensional analysis demonstrated a unique pattern for the augmentation zone consistent across patients. The augmentation zone resembled a boomerang, with the short tail supporting the medial lower lid and the long tail extending laterally along the zygomatic arch. The upper border was restricted by the level of the nasojugal interface, and the lower border was defined medially by the nasolabial fold and laterally by the level of the zygomaticocutaneous ligament. Lateral and medial sub-orbicularis oculi fat injections defined the boundaries of the boomerang shape, and injection to the deep medial cheek provided maximum projection. This is the first description of deep malar augmentation zones in clinical patients. Three-dimensional surface imaging was ideal for analyzing the surface change in response to targeted facial fat grafting. The authors' technique resulted in a reproducible surface shape, which they term the boomerang lift.

BACKGROUND: Given the widespread use of facial fillers and recent identification of distinct facial fat compartments, a better understanding of three-dimensional surface changes in response to volume augmentation is needed. Advances in three-dimensional imaging technology now afford an opportunity to elucidate these morphologic changes for the first time. METHODS: A cadaver study was undertaken in which volumization of the deep medial cheek compartment was performed at intervals up to 4 cc (n = 4). Three-dimensional photographs were taken after each injection to analyze the topographic surface changes, which the authors define as the "augmentation zone." Perimeter, diameter, and projection were studied. The arcus marginalis of the inferior orbit consistently represented a fixed boundary of the augmentation zone, and additional cadavers underwent similar volumization following surgical release of this portion of the arcus marginalis (n = 4). Repeated three-dimensional computer analysis was performed comparing the augmentation zone with and without arcus marginalis release. RESULTS: Volumization of the deep medial cheek led to unique topographic changes of the malar region defined by distinct boundaries. Interestingly, the cephalic border of the augmentation zone was consistently noted to be at the level of the arcus marginalis in all specimens. When surgical release of the arcus marginalis was performed, the cephalic border of the augmentation zone was no longer restricted. CONCLUSIONS: Using advances in three-dimensional photography and computer analysis, the authors demonstrate characteristic surface anatomy changes in response to volume augmentation of facial compartments. This novel concept of the augmentation zone can be applied to volumization of other distinct facial regions. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.

BACKGROUND: Lateral canthal procedures are often indicated to correct or prevent lower eyelid malposition. When determining an appropriate lateral canthal procedure, planning is essential and includes proper analysis and identification of any contributory anatomical factors. METHODS: A 12-month retrospective review was performed on patients undergoing lateral canthal procedures. Important components of the preoperative examination were studied to relate patient anatomy and results. Outcomes were followed for a minimum of 5 years. RESULTS: Of 288 consecutive lower eyelid canthal procedures, a total of 146 met the inclusion criteria. Common designated abnormal preoperative findings included a negative vector (62 percent), lid margin eversion (12 percent), scleral show (21 percent), neutral or negative canthal tilt (49 percent and 18 percent, respectively), and lateral canthus -to -orbital rim distance of more than 1 cm (11 percent). The distribution of lateral canthal procedures performed in our study population included inferior retinacular lateral canthopexy (n = 36), inferior retinacular lateral canthoplasty (n = 88), tarsal strip lateral canthoplasty (n = 15), and dermal-orbicular pennant lateral canthoplasty (n = 7). Successful outcomes were noted to be 86 percent and 91 percent according to surgeons and patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Specific findings on the preoperative physical examination identify when simple or more complex lateral canthal procedures should be performed. The authors report seven key physical findings that should be documented to effectively determine a lateral canthal procedure that is appropriate for prevention and management of lower eyelid malposition. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Periorbital reconstruction following skin cancer ablation represents a challenging problem. A thorough understanding of the complex periorbital anatomy is necessary to preserve lid function and protect the ocular surface. The medial canthal region represents the most difficult periorbital zone to reconstruct. This area has a complex anatomy involving both the medial canthus itself and the lacrimal apparatus. The authors present their experience with a versatile technique for reconstruction of the medial canthal periorbital region, namely, a medially based upper eyelid myocutaneous flap. In the 10 patients in whom this procedure was used, there was one partial and no complete flap losses. The authors believe that the medially based upper lid myocutaneous flap offers an excellent solution to the difficult problem of medial canthal periorbital reconstruction

Ectropion, or eversion of the lid margin away from the globe, can occur after surgical reconstruction of facial defects that encroach on the lower eyelid. This article discusses prevention of ectropion in the reconstruction of facial defects