Temporal Augmentation Effect of Reduction Malarplasty: Application of our Bracing Technique with Zygomatic Arch Elevation

A broad midface is usually accompanied by temporal depression. Traditional reduction malarplasty may visually improve the temporal depression by the inward reduction of zygomatic arch, but also has a high risk of soft tissue sagging. Our bracing technique has been reported to have an anti-sagging effect and may have a temporal augmentation effect as observed during our long-term clinical practice.

Data of patients who received reduction malarplasty with our bracing technique from September 2015 to July 2023 were retrospectively collected. The pre-op and post-op CT images of those who met the inclusion criteria were used for three-dimensional reconstruction and measurements of the thickness and volume of the temporal soft tissue as well as the elevation distance of zygomatic arch.

Fifty-eight patients with an average follow-up of 18.4 ± 9.1 months were included. Despite mild thinning of the temporalis muscle after reduction malarplasty, the overall thickness of the temporal soft tissue significantly increased due to the significant thickening of the temporal adipose-fascial layer. There was a 0.5 ml-increase in the temporal volume although without statistical difference. No significant correlation was detected between the elevation distance of zygomatic arch and the temporal thickness or volume change.

The bracing technique of reduction malarplasty not only plays an anti-sagging role, but also has a temporal augmentation effect through the superior bracing by the elevation and rigid fixation of the zygomatic arch. It adds brilliance to the traditional technique and can be suggested especially when the patients are disturbed by temporal depression.

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