ArticleAesthetic surgery journal2023
Lifting the Anterior Midcheek and Nasolabial Fold: Introduction to the Melo Fat Pad Anatomy and Its Role in Longevity and Recurrence.
Article in Aesthetic surgery journal, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 13 papers.
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Who cites it
13 citing papers in PubMed, 17 citations in OpenAlex.
- Final Report on the Safety and Efficacy of Poly-L-Lactic Acid Filler (Gana V) Injection for the Correction of Nasolabial Fold: A Double-Blind, Non-Inferiority, Randomized, Split-Face Controlled Trial.Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2026Trial
- Comparative Vector Analysis in Deep Plane Rhytidectomy: Evaluating Combined Horizontal and Oblique SMAS Fixation Strategies in Face and Neck Lifting.Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2026Article
- Endoscopic Periorbital and Midface Rejuvenation with Direct Fixation: An Alternative to Suspension Techniques.Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2026Article
- Conservation facelift: The mesoface.JPRAS open · 2026Article
- Surgical Correction of the Nasolabial Fold: A Critical Review of Rhytidectomy Techniques.Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open · 2026Article
- Glidelift: No Visible Scar Approach to Periorbital Rejuvenation.Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2026Article
- Endoscopic Deep Plane Facelift: A Classified Approach.Aesthetic surgery journal · 2025Article
- The Labiomandibular Fold Anatomy for Comprehensive Lower Facial Rejuvenation: A Micro-Computed Tomography Investigation.Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2025Article
- Letter to the Editor Regarding: "Vertical Superior Vector Suspension of the Anterior Mobile Face with the V Plication Facelift: A Volumization and Lifting Technique".Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2025Article
- The Facial Rejuvenation Enhancing Cheek Lift (FRENCH LIFT), a Facelift Technique that Treats Sagging of the Anterior Column of the Face: A Single Surgeon's 10-year Experience with 1100 Operated Patients.Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2025Article
- Endoscopic, "Scarless" Composite Flap Face and Neck Lift.Facial plastic surgery : FPS · 2025Article
- Lower Blepharoplasty with Mid-Face Elevation: A Polydioxanone (PDO) Barbed Suture Loop for Lid-Cheek Junction Blending.Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2024Article
- The Ponytail Lift: 22 Years of Experience in 600 Cases of Endoscopic Deep Plane Facial Rejuvenation.Aesthetic surgery journal · 2024Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
6 authors at 4 institutions in 4 countries.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundA limitation of current facelift techniques is the early postoperative reappearance of anterior midcheek laxity associated with recurrence of the nasolabial fold (NLF).
objectivesThis study was undertaken to examine the regional anatomy of the anterior midcheek and NLF with a focus on explaining the early recurrence phenomenon and to explore the possibility of alternative surgical methods that prolong NLF correction.
methodsFifty cadaver heads were studied (16 embalmed, 34 fresh; mean age, 75 years). Following preliminary dissections and macrosectioning, a series of standardized layered dissections were performed, complemented by histology, sheet plastination, and microcomputed tomography. Mechanical testing of the melo fat pad (MFP) and skin was performed to gain insight on which structure is responsible for transmission of the lifting tension in a composite facelift procedure.
resultsAnatomic dissections, sheet plastination, and microcomputed tomography demonstrated the 3-dimensional architecture and borders of the MFP. Histology of a lifted midcheek demonstrated that a composite MFP lift causes a change in connective tissue organization from a hanging-down pattern into a pulled-upward pattern, suggesting traction on the skin. Mechanical testing confirmed that, in a composite lift, despite the sutures being placed directly into the deep aspect of the MFP, the lifting tension distal to the suture is transmitted through the skin and not through the MFP.
conclusionsThe usual method of performing a composite midcheek lift results in the skin, and not the MFP itself, bearing the load of the nondissected tissues distal to the lifting suture. For this reason, early recurrence of the NLF occurs following skin relaxation in the postoperative period. Accordingly, specific surgical procedures for remodeling the MFP should be explored, possibly in combination with volume restoration of the fat and bone, for more lasting improvement of the NLF.
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