Using a Novel Method to Quantify and Confirm the Variable Vertical Vector of the Deep Plane Facelift

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Facial Rejuvenation Techniques

Background:

• Deep plane rhytidectomy aims for natural results, with vertical pull favored over horizontal.
• The vector of pull is crucial for achieving a rejuvenated appearance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if author-designed skin angle measurements can serve as a proxy for tension vector in deep plane rhytidectomy.
• To confirm the predominant vector of pull in deep plane rhytidectomy.

Main Methods:

• A case series measured the rhytidectomy vector of pull in patients undergoing deep plane rhytidectomy.
• Comparisons were made between pre- and postauricular flaps, and across patient demographics and procedure types.

Main Results:

• The study found a predominantly vertical vector of pull in both pre- and postauricular superficial musculoaponeurotic system flaps.
• The anterior flap exhibited a more vertical vector than the posterior flap.

Conclusions:

• A novel proxy measurement confirmed that the deep plane rhytidectomy vector of pull is more vertical than horizontal.
• This supports the use of vertical vector principles for natural-looking facial rejuvenation.