Minimally traumatic midface lift approach for patients in their early 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.