Nasolabial Sulcus Rejuvenation: Paranasal Augmentation Using a Folded Dermal Graft

Nasolabial sulcus rejuvenation is steadily gaining popularity among Asians. Though many treatment options using synthetic grafts and autografts have been introduced, none of them has yet been accepted as an ideal technique. This study describes the operative procedure and evidence-based clinical outcomes of paranasal augmentation using dermal grafts.

From March 2015 to August 2019, 56 patients underwent paranasal augmentation. The dermal graft, harvested from the buttock, was folded into 4 to 6 layers and inserted into the supraperiosteal pocket through a gingivobuccal incision. Ultrasonographic evaluation was performed at postoperative months 1, 6, 12, and 18 to appraise the change in the thickness of the graft.

No major complications, including foreign body sensation and graft extrusion, occurred. The average dermal thickness was 10.31 mm at postoperative month 1 and 6.30 mm, 5.21 mm, and 5.17 mm at postoperative months 6, 12 and 18, respectively. The average absorption rates were 38.72%, 49.36%, and 49.92% at postoperative months 6, 12, and 18, respectively.

Paranasal augmentation using a folded dermal graft serves as a useful method to rejuvenate the midface with durable and aesthetically satisfactory outcomes. By virtue of biocompatibility, complications occurred rarely compared with the artificial implants.

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