Anatomic comparison of the deep-plane face-lift and the transtemporal midface-lift.

[OBJECTIVE] To identify whether the deep-plane face-lift or the extended transtemporal subperiosteal midface-lift is more effective in correcting midfacial ptosis.

[METHODS] Five cadaveric dissections were performed with a unilateral transtemporal subperiosteal midface-lift followed by a deep-plane face-lift on the same hemihead. Three suspension sutures were evaluated-transtemporal midface-lift, zygomaticofacial and melolabial sutures, and a deep-plane face-lift suture-to determine the degree of elevation on the nasolabial fold. Statistical analysis was performed to compare their effectiveness.

[RESULTS] The melolabial suture elevates the nasolabial fold 43.2% more than the deep-plane suture (P = .03) and 29.2% more than the zygomaticofacial suture (P = .10). At no point did the deep-plane suture offer more elevation than either the zygomaticofacial or melolabial suture.

[CONCLUSIONS] Midface-lifting surgery is challenging owing to the difficulty of adequately releasing the soft tissues overlying the zygomaticomaxillary region and resuspending them effectively. A comparison of the extended transtemporal midface-lift and deep-plane face-lift demonstrates the statistically significant advantage of the transtemporal midface-lift on elevating the nasolabial fold, particularly the melolabial suspension suture.