Analysis of face lift technique using APTOS threads on the basis of anatomical research

Objective To discuss indications, contraindications and surgical layers of face lift using APTOS threads on the basis of anatomical study. Methods Anatomical study was performed on 20 sides of 10 head specimens, observing distributions of fat tissues and facial nerves. Results The depth of skin and subdermal tissues in the forehead was(1.9±0.2)mm, in the tempora was(2.4±0.3)mm,and in the bucca was(3.1±0.4)mm. The supraorbital vessels and nerve ran through the frontal muscle and the galea aponeurotica into the scalp. The supratrochlear vessels and nerve ran through the frontal muscle into the frontal skin. Temporal branchs of the facial nerve ran under the superficial temporal fascia. Buccal branches of the facial nerve came out of the parotid and ran under the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system, and the secondary branches exhibited as a three-dimensional reseau. Conclusion Layers under the frontal muscle in the forehead, superficial to the superficial temporal fascia in the tempora, and superficial to the SMAS in the bucca are safe for APTOS threads implantation.