Long Terms Results of Temporal Facelift: 6 Years of Experience in 250 Cases

Temporal facelift (TFL) is an innovative technique for lifting the upper and mid-face. It is characterized by a unique dissection plane above the subgaleal fascia, which seamlessly transitions into the sub-superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) layer in the mid-face. This approach enables comprehensive mid-face elevation, robust canthopexy, and a significant brow lift in various vectors.

The authors present their experience with 250 TFL procedures over a period of 6 years.

This retrospective study analyzed 250 of 441 patients who underwent TFL surgery. The surgical procedures, conducted under general anesthesia by a senior surgeon following the TFL method, involved a vertical-vector deep-plane mid-face lift, canthopexy, and brow-lift triad. Close monitoring of complications and detailed photographic documentation of the outcomes were performed. Postoperative care included taping the operation area to reduce swelling, with subsequent follow-up examinations and interventions such as lymphatic massage and botulinum toxin injections for asymmetric brow movements or steroid injections for excessive mid-face swelling.

Among 250 patients (248 female, 2 male; mean age, 37 y), unilateral neuropraxia of the frontal branch of the facial nerve occurred in 5.6% and resolved spontaneously within 2.8 months. Persistent dimples (2.8%) resolved by the fifth postoperative month. Six patients (2.4%) underwent revision surgery with no observed complications like hematoma, necrosis, infection, or seroma.

The TFL technique represents a significant advancement in upper and mid-face lifting procedures and offers several advantages over the traditional methods.