Botulinum Toxin Type A for Treatment of Masseter Hypertrophy: Volumetric Analysis of Masseter Muscle Reduction over Time

BACKGROUND: There has been increasing interest in facial contouring procedures throughout Asian countries. As such, botulinum toxin A injections for masseteric hypertrophy have become a common procedure provided to patients who desire non-surgical correction of a square-angled mandible. We published a retrospective review of our initial results and our technique and treatment protocol in 2005. We also completed a long-term follow-up of the results (average follow-up period of 4.28 years) and the efficacy of repeated injections in 2010. The purpose of the current study is to systematically evaluate the changes to the masseter muscle at weekly intervals to determine the physiologic effects of botulinum toxin A injection. METHODS: Eight patients were prospectively followed on a weekly basis after botulinum toxin A injection for masseteric hypertrophy. Eight patients were followed for 15 weeks and four patients were followed for 25 weeks. Changes in the thickness of the muscle were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: A reduction in the muscle thickness was found during the clenching phase of the muscle in the first week followed by a reduction in thickness during the resting phase in the second week. The reduction in muscle thickness continued until the eleventh week after which there was a gradual, but incomplete, return of muscle thickness over the study period. CONCLUSIONS: There is a predictable, phasic reduction in muscle thickness after botulinum toxin A injection for masseteric hypertrophy. This reduction first occurs during the clenching phase followed by a concomitant reduction during the resting phase. Maximal size reduction occurs at 11 weeks followed by gradual muscle size recovery.

The Relationship Between Eyebrow Elevation and Height of the Palpebral Fissure: Should Postoperative Brow Descent be Taken into Consideration When Determining the Amount of Blepharoptosis Correction?

BACKGROUND: Combining blepharoptosis correction with double eyelid blepharoplasty is common in East Asian countries where larger eyes are viewed as attractive. This trend has made understanding the relationship between brow position and height of the palpebral fissure all the more important in understanding post-operative results. In this study, authors attempt to quantify this relationship in order to assess whether the expected postoperative brow descent should be taken into consideration when determining the amount of ptosis to correct. METHODS: Photographs of ten healthy female study participants were taken with brow at rest, with light elevation and with forceful elevation. These photographs were then viewed at 2 x magnification on a computer monitor and caliper was used to measure the amount of pull on the eyebrow in relation to the actual increase in vertical fissure of the eye. RESULTS: There was a positive, linear correlation between amount of eyebrow elevation and height of the palpebral fissure, which was statistically significant. Brow elevation increased vertical fissure, and thereby aperture of the eye, by 18%. CONCLUSIONS: Although the eye-opening strength as well as height of the palpebral fissure is improved with ptosis repair, the true effectiveness of ptosis surgery is diminished by the associated descent of the brow from relief of the involuntary frontalis muscle action and this should be taken into account prior to surgical intervention. Regardless, the combination of frontalis muscle relaxation and the increased eye-opening strength from ptosis repair gives the eye and the periorbital region a more natural look.

Combined, Minimally Invasive, Thread-based Facelift

BACKGROUND: As society changes, patients have high expectations of plastic surgery and rapid recovery after surgery. A thread-based facelift meets these requirements and is growing in popularity. METHODS: Former thread lifts were either floating or fixed types. The authors used both types. Using a vertical line from the lateral orbital rim as the center, the anterior face was lifted with floating-type threads and the lateral face was lifted with fixed-type threads. The Blue RoseTM thread was used for the combined-type facelift, as it is stronger than other threads. Improvements were measured using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). RESULTS: Eighteen patients out of 28 were followed over 3 months. Five patients (28%) reported a GAIS score of 2, 10 patients (55%) had a GAIS score of 3, 2 patients (11%) had a GAIS score of 4, and one patient was unsatisfied with the surgical results. Results showed improvements in 83% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The combined, minimally invasive, thread-based facelift has some benefits. First, the functional anatomy of the face is considered. Second, the pulling force of the threads is stronger than formerly used threads. Third, especially in Asian patients, the postoperative broadening of the malar area can be minimized. Thus, a combined thread lift using Blue Rose threads can provide a natural-looking and strong facelift.

Soft Tissue Facial Contouring Using Autologous Microfat Injection

Autologous fat injection had not gained an attention in aesthetic plastic surgery, because of high reabsorption. Recently, fatty tissue was obtained by the low-power technique and centrifuged, results of autologous fat injection was improved. The authors performed autologous microfat injections on 277 patients from March 1997 through December 2002 to correct soft tissue facial contour such as aging, depressed facial contour, thin and long faces as well as postoperative complications and scars. The fatty tissues remaining from the first injection were kept at -20 degrees C up to twelve months, and were used for repeated injections in the overly- absorbed or inadequate areas. Of those 277 patients, 59% received an injection once, 35% received an injection twice, 5% received an injection three times and 1% received an injection up to four times. Follow-ups and postoperative photo confirmations were possible only in 119 out of 277 cases. 81.5% showed satisfied results, and development of complications were insignificant occurring at 6.2%. Owing to advances in tissue engineering and frozen storage method, autologous microfat used for injection will be developed as a better filler, which may substitute soft tissues.