BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effectiveness of the minimally traumatic midface lift approach in combination with the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS) criteria. METHODS: From July 2007 to September 2009, 21 female patients underwent the minimal incision midface lift procedure. The procedure was mainly composed of a small arrow-like incision just superior to the top of the auricle, a fanlike subcutaneous dissection, and 3 suspension sutures. After 6 months, objective and subjective criteria were recorded, photos were taken for documentation and the WSRS scale system was used. Postoperative adverse effects were also recorded. RESULTS: All 21 patients completed more than a 6-month postoperative follow-up, and all the patients gained complete recovery. In the doctor's evaluation for using the WSRS system, 3 patients (14.3%) felt fair, the remaining 18 patients (85.7%) felt good, and no patients (0%) had poor results 6 months after the operation. In patient self-evaluation, 5 patients (23.8%) felt fair, the remaining 16 (76.2%) felt good, and no patient (0%) had poor results after 6 months. No serious operative complications including facial nerve palsy and skin slough were found. CONCLUSION: The minimally traumatic midface lift is a simple, reliable, and effective approach for the aging face of women in their 30s and 40s.
BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effectiveness of the minimally traumatic midface lift approach in combination with the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS) criteria. METHODS: From July 2007 to September 2009, 21 female patients underwent the minimal incision midface lift procedure. The procedure was mainly composed of a small arrow-like incision just superior to the top of the auricle, a fanlike subcutaneous dissection, and 3 suspension sutures. After 6 months, objective and subjective criteria were recorded, photos were taken for documentation and the WSRS scale system was used. Postoperative adverse effects were also recorded. RESULTS: All 21 patients completed more than a 6-month postoperative follow-up, and all the patients gained complete recovery. In the doctor's evaluation for using the WSRS system, 3 patients (14.3%) felt fair, the remaining 18 patients (85.7%) felt good, and no patients (0%) had poor results 6 months after the operation. In patient self-evaluation, 5 patients (23.8%) felt fair, the remaining 16 (76.2%) felt good, and no patient (0%) had poor results after 6 months. No serious operative complications including facial nerve palsy and skin slough were found. CONCLUSION: The minimally traumatic midface lift is a simple, reliable, and effective approach for the aging face of women in their 30s and 40s.