The nasolabial fold: a challenge, a solution

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Facial Rejuvenation
• Aesthetic Surgery

Background:

• Prominent nasolabial folds are caused by skin laxity and localized fat deposits.
• Existing surgical methods may have limitations in addressing these complex anatomical changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and evaluate a novel surgical approach for correcting pronounced nasolabial folds.
• To assess the efficacy and complication profile of this technique in a patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• A three-part surgical technique involving temple incision placement, subcutaneous fat grafting under the fold, and lateral buccal fat reduction.
• Extensive skin undermining via a rhytidectomy flap was performed.
• Graft fixation technique was refined during the study to prevent dislodgement.

Main Results:

• The study included 35 patients (27 females, 8 males) with an average follow-up of 23 months.
• 82.9% of patients achieved good to excellent results.
• Complications included hematomas and early graft dislodgement, which were addressed by technique modification.

Conclusions:

• The described problem-oriented surgical approach effectively corrects prominent nasolabial folds.
• Refinements in surgical technique, particularly graft fixation, improved outcomes and reduced complications.
• This method offers a viable solution for facial rejuvenation targeting the nasolabial area.