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The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) is a complex fibrous network connecting facial muscles to the dermis, with varying morphological characteristics across different facial regions. Recent studies have identified five distinct types of SMAS morphology, highlighting the need for region-specific interventions in facial rejuvenation. This pictorial essay explores ultrasound imaging of the SMAS using ultra-high frequency (24-33 MHz) probes, known as U-SMAS. Analysis of 186 full-face U-SMAS scans revealed consistent patterns in the facial and neck layers, with regional variations aligning with the Sandulescu classifications: type I (preparotideal); type II (chin and lip); type III (eyelid); type IV (temporal and parotideal); and type V (cervical). Understanding these morphological differences is crucial for accurate interpretation of ultrasound images and for optimizing pre-procedural assessments to ensure that aesthetic treatments are safe and effective. Knowledge of the SMAS architecture enhances the ability to visualize facial and neck anatomy accurately, particularly through U-SMAS imaging, ensuring comprehensive patient care in rejuvenation procedures.

O sistema musculoaponeurótico superficial (SMAS) é uma rede fibrosa complexa que conecta os músculos faciais à derme, com características morfológicas variadas em diferentes regiões faciais. Estudos recentes identificaram cinco tipos distintos de morfologia do SMAS, destacando a necessidade de intervenções específicas em cada região para a rejuvenescimento facial. Este ensaio iconográfico explora a imagem por ultrassom do SMAS usando transdutores de ultra-alta frequência (24-33 MHz), conhecidas como U-SMAS. A análise de 186 exames de ultrassom de rosto completo revelou padrões consistentes nas camadas faciais e do pescoço, com variações regionais alinhadas com as classificações de Sandulescu: tipo I (preparotideal), tipo II (queixo e lábio), tipo III (pálpebra), tipo IV (temporal e parotideal) e tipo V (cervical). Compreender essas diferenças morfológicas é crucial para uma interpretação precisa do ultrassom e para otimizar avaliações pré-procedimento para tratamentos estéticos seguros e eficazes. O conhecimento da arquitetura do SMAS melhora a capacidade de visualizar com precisão a anatomia facial e do pescoço, especialmente por meio de imagens de ultrassom, garantindo cuidados abrangentes ao paciente em procedimentos de rejuvenescimento.

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Introdução: Os estudos de anatomia em cadáveres permitiram um melhor entendimento das estruturas da face e, consequentemente, mais segurança ao explorar os planos profundos da região facial. Uma boa técnica deve ser segura, reprodutível e respeitar os pontos anatômicos. O objetivo deste trabalho é desmistificar a técnica de deep plane facelifting por meio da dissecção de cadáveres e exposição das estruturas faciais. Método: A reprodução da técnica de "deep plane facelifting" foi realizada em 14 hemifaces de 7 peças de cadáveres frescos no Instituto de Treinamento de Cadáver em Curitiba no ano de 2021. A técnica cirúrgica foi realizada conforme nossa prática clínica e reproduzida no cadáver. Após o procedimento, as estruturas anatômicas faciais foram dissecadas para correlacionar seu posicionamento junto aos espaços anatômicos da face. Foram avaliados os posicionamentos dos ligamentos da face, vascularização e os ramos do nervo facial. Resultados: Foram identificados os espaços anatômicos relevantes à técnica de deep plane facelifting, como os espaços massetéricos inferior e superior, espaço pré-zigomático, espaço bucal e espaço cervical. Os ramos do nervo facial foram identificados no plano subSMAS e correlacionados com os espaços e planos anatômicos. Conclusão: A técnica de deep plane facelift pode ser reproduzida com segurança desde que sejam respeitados dois parâmetros. O primeiro é a entrada correta nos espaços a fim de respeitar a anatomia. O segundo é o uso de descoladores rombos para dissecção nos planos profundos da face a fim de evitar lesão nervosa dos ramos do nervo facial.

Introduction: Anatomy studies on cadavers have allowed a better understanding of the structures of the face and, consequently, greater safety when exploring the deep planes of the facial region. A good technique must be safe, reproducible, and respect anatomical points. The objective of this work is to demystify the deep plane facelifting technique through the dissection of cadavers and exposure of facial structures. Method: The reproduction of the "deep plane facelifting" technique was performed on 14 hemifaces of 7 pieces of fresh cadavers at the Instituto de Treinamento de Cadáver (Cadaver Training Institute) in Curitiba in 2021. The surgical technique was performed according to our clinical practice and reproduced on the cadaver. After the procedure, the facial anatomical structures were dissected to correlate their positioning with the anatomical spaces of the face. The positioning of the facial ligaments, vascularization, and branches of the facial nerve were evaluated. Results: The anatomical spaces relevant to the deep plane facelifting technique were identified, such as the inferior and superior masseteric spaces, prezygomatic space, buccal space, and cervical space. The facial nerve branches were identified in the sub-SMAS plane and correlated with the anatomical spaces and planes. Conclusion: The deep plane facelift technique can be reproduced safely as long as two parameters are respected. The first is the correct entry into spaces to respect the anatomy. The second is the use of blunt detachers for dissection in the deep planes of the face to avoid nerve damage to the branches of the facial nerve.

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INTRODUCTION: The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) is a well described facial functional unit in humans. SMAS connects mimic musculature to the skin having many implication in facial mimic expression. One of the various morphological and physiological analogies in human and Macaca mulatta species is the facial mimic. The present study analyzed Macaca mulatta species SMAS morphology and its facial topographical differences and compared this with human SMAS tissue morphology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Macaca mulatta full-graft tissue blocks of skin, subcutaneous tissue and mimic muscles from five topographical different facial regions (Regio Temporalis, Regio Buccalis, Regio Infraorbitalis, Regio Angulus Oris and Regio Mandibularis) were collected postmortem from eight individuals (n = 8) at the German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research in Göttingen (DPZ) and studied histologically. Haematoxylin-eosin and azan stained histological serial sections of full-graft tissue blocks were analyzed and SMAS topographical differences evaluated. RESULTS: SMAS typical tissue morphology was recognized in all Macaca mulatta histological serial sections (n = 780). Regio Infraorbitalis Macaca mulatta SMAS (MmSMAS) morphology was similar to human infraorbital SMAS morphology (type I SMAS). Suborbicularis oculi fat pad was recognized in Macaca mulatta samples. Human type I similar SMAS morphology was demonstrated over Macaca mulatta Regio Temporalis and Regio Buccalis. Regio Angulus Oris and the cranial area of the Regio Mandibularis presented human type II similar SMAS morphology. Type IV MmSMAS was closely related to the parotid gland tissue presence. The cervical area of the Regio Mandibularis presented human type V similar SMAS morphology. CONCLUSIONS: SMAS is a complex fibro-musculo-adipose tissue network and probably an important pivot in Macaca mulatta facial system supporting mimic expression. This study provided insights into MmSMAS typology and similarity with human SMAS tissue morphology.

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BACKGROUND: When a firm facial mass in the cheek region is associated with a high index of clinical suspicion of its being of parotid gland origin, preventive parotidectomy is invariably performed. We report a rare case of a schwannoma that was suspected to be of parotid gland origin in a patient, who underwent successful surgical management using a modified-Blair incision and superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer folding method. CASE SUMMARY: A 27-year-old woman presented to the hospital for evaluation of a firm, fixed, non-tender mass (2.5 cm × 3.5 cm), located anterior to the right ear, of 1 year's duration. Contrast-enhanced facial computed tomography revealed a well-encapsulated, low-density mass adherent to the superficial lobe of the right parotid gland, with a high index of clinical suspicion of an accessory parotid gland mass. The patient was scheduled to undergo resection of the mass and superficial parotidectomy. She underwent surgery using a modified-Blair incision, and the SMAS layer was folded posteriorly to reconstruct the defect. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a schwannoma., and we observed no postoperative complications such as hematoma, infection, or abnormal facial expressions. The incision scar was unnoticeable 2 mo postoperatively, and the facial contour was maintained without any differences between the affected and unaffected sides. CONCLUSION: We used a modified-Blair incision and SMAS layer folding method to achieve aesthetically good results following resection of a rare schwannoma with superficial parotidectomy in the cheek region.

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The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) was advocated by Mitz and Peyronie in 1976. The concept of this superficial fascia was established by surgical findings of facelift surgery and is familiar to plastic surgeons and anatomists. However, detailed characteristics of this fascia are still not widely known among head and neck surgeons. Moreover, the SMAS is generally located at the parotid and cheek regions and divides facial fat into superficial and deep layers. The SMAS connects to the superficial temporal fascia cranially and to the platysma caudally. The frontal muscle and the peripheral part of the orbicularis oculi are also in the same plane. The exact expanse of the SMAS in the face is controversial. Some authors claimed that the SMAS exists in the upper lip, whereas others denied the continuity of the SMAS to the superficial temporal fascia in a histological study. There are various other opinions regarding SMAS aside from those mentioned above. The concept of the SMAS is very important for facial soft tissue surgeries because the SMAS is a good surgical landmark to avoid facial nerve injuries. Therefore, this article summarized SMAS from an anatomical point of view.

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The characteristics of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), including the morphology of each part and the connection between tissues, remain controversial. The purpose of this study is to clarify the anatomy of the SMAS using our new dissection method. In this study, six hemi-sides of heads from formalin-preserved cadavers were used. Three were used for creating a horizontal section and three were used for creating the section along the axial line perpendicular to the surface of the skin, resulting in a gradual change from the coronal section at the lateral to the sagittal section at the median. The resected head was cut into slices with widths of 7 mm. The stretched tissue dissection method was performed by fixing a tissue slice to a board and pulling the skin outward to stretch the soft tissue. Blunt dissection was then performed under a microscope. The SMAS comprises three layers: superficial, intermediate, and deep. The superficial layer is a thin membrane directly connecting to the septa in the subcutaneous fat. The deep layer is the connective tissue in contact with the sub-SMAS structure. The layer surrounded by the superficial and deep layer of the SMAS is the intermediate layer, containing connective tissue, adipose tissue, and facial muscles. The detailed findings of the SMAS obtained using this method resolve theoretical discrepancies and provide important insight for the field of facial surgery.

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Introducción: El cáncer de páncreas mantiene un pronóstico ominoso a pesar de los avances en técnicas quirúrgicas y cuidados perioperatorios. Objetivo: Caracterizar los resultados del tratamiento aplicado a los pacientes con cáncer de páncreas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal de una serie de 70 pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer de páncreas. Se estudiaron las variables: localización, tamaño del tumor, procedimiento quirúrgico, estadificación preoperatoria, diagnóstico histológico, estancia hospitalaria, complicaciones posoperatorias y estado al egreso, mediante el análisis de frecuencias absolutas, relativas y la media así como la prueba de ji al cuadrado y el IC 95 por ciento. Resultados: El procedimiento quirúrgico más frecuente fue derivativo en 47 enfermos (67,1 por ciento). La operación de Whipple se realizó en 10 pacientes (14,3 por ciento) con tumores localizados en la cabeza del páncreas y la pancreatectomía corporocaudal en 11 (15,7 por ciento) con tumores de cuerpo y cola del páncreas. La mayoría correspondió a los estadios III y IV. El 47,1 por ciento de los pacientes presentó un adenocarcinoma poco diferenciado. La estadía fluctuó entre 15 y 30 días en el 54,3 por ciento de la serie. Las complicaciones se presentaron en 19 enfermos (27,1 por ciento). Fallecieron 15 pacientes (21,4 por ciento) del total. Conclusiones: El tratamiento debe ser individualizado mediante equipos multidisciplinarios, con protocolos de actuación uniformes en cada institución que permita realizar estudios multicéntricos, con el objetivo de obtener estadísticas propias en aras de disminuir la morbilidad y la mortalidad, así como aumentar la calidad de vida de estos pacientes(AU)

Introduction: Facial rhytidectomy is the technique for correcting facial aging features, but they are becoming increasingly complex due to the incorporation of deeper planes in the process. The superficial musculoaponeurotic system techniques have the advantage of providing a greater degree of naturalness and permanence in time. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the high-superficial musculoaponeurotic system technique for facial rejuvenation. Methods: A prospective and longitudinal case series study was carried out in the plastic surgery service of Hospital General Universitario "Vladimir Ilich Lenin" with patients who requested facial rejuvenation and were treated with the high-superficial musculoaponeurotic system technique, from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2020. The variables age, sex, skin type, degree of aging, operative complications, patient satisfaction and aesthetic outcomes were studied. Results: The female sex predominated, together with the age group 50-59 years, the degrees of aging II and III, as well as white and light brown skin colors, while the most frequent operative complication was wound dehiscence of the suture line at the auricle root. The patients' satisfaction with the aesthetic outcomes of the surgical intervention was verified and the aesthetic outcomes was assessed as favorable in 100 percent of the cases for the used surgical technique. Conclusions: The high-superficial musculoaponeurotic system surgical technique for rhytidectomy offers harmonic, long-lasting outcomes with a low percentage of complications, making it a valuable alternative for patients(AU)

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In this article, we discuss the anatomy and development of the face. One should become familiar with the layers, muscles, vessels, and nerves of the face. Embryologic development of the face and supporting structures is also discussed. Additionally, different clinical manifestation of facial paralysis is highlighted.

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BACKGROUND: Facial massage is empirically known to be associated with morphological changes, such as improvements in facial sagging. However, quantified objective evaluations of massage-induced changes have not been performed to date. This preliminary pilot study aimed to verify the effectiveness of facial massages by using breakthrough computed tomographic technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five healthy adult volunteers (three women and two men; age, 29-37 years) were enrolled, and computed tomography (CT) examinations using a 320 detectors-spiral CT system known as 320-multidetector-row CT (MDCT) were performed before and after facial massages. Each participant performed a self-massage twice daily for 2 weeks. Massage-induced changes in the cheeks and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) were analyzed by two radiologists on a workstation with a high-accuracy imaging analysis system. RESULTS: After facial massage, the malar top became thinner by -0.8% ± 0.45% and shifted cranially and horizontally over a distance of 3.9 ± 1.94 mm. The SMAS-height, defined as the highest vertical distance of the SMAS, increased by 2.6% ± 2.6%. The change rate in cheek thickness and SMAS-height showed a significant correlation (r = -0.63; P < 0.05). These changes were attributed to the lifting and tightening effects of facial massage. CONCLUSION: We conducted a detailed analysis of the effects of facial massages by using the breakthrough CT technology. Our results provide useful information for beauty treatments and could contribute to the collection of objective scientific evidence for facial massages.

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Introdução: O sistema musculoaponeurótico superficial (SMAS) é a melhor estrutura que temos à nossa disposição para elevar e reposicionar a face e o pescoço no face lift. No entanto, na região têmporo-orbitária, esta estrutura é frequentemente negligenciada. Na busca por uma solução de execução simples, eficiente e segura para tratar a queda têmporo-orbitária, o autor descreve uma tática de lift temporal com reposicionamento da cauda das sobrancelhas para tratamento do envelhecimento e flacidez da região têmporo-orbitária. Métodos: Foi realizado o tratamento em 358 pacientes entre 2017 e 2020, em lifts completos ou apenas temporais. Destes, apenas 30 foram incluídos no artigo por terem sido submetidos exclusivamente a lifts temporais, acompanhados ou não de blefaroplastias. Através de incisão intracapilar marginal quebrada em região temporal e com descolamento supraSMAS, foi realizado tratamento musculoaponeurótico da região órbito-temporal, além de ressecção da pele em excesso. Resultados: A tática apresentada foi eficiente na elevação e na abertura da cauda das sobrancelhas em todos os casos tratados, além do efeito de perda da função contrátil da porção lateral do músculo orbicular, com melhora significativa das rugas periorbitais e da flacidez órbito-temporal. Conclusão: A eficácia e os ótimos resultados alcançados com a tática operatória descrita, associada à escassez de opções de tratamento isolado ou específico da região órbito-temporal, tornam o lift têmporo-orbitário proposto uma excelente alternativa para o rejuvenescimento desta região.

Introduction: The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) is the best structure that we have at our disposal to raise and reposition the face and neck in face lifts. However, in the temporal-orbital region, this structure is often overlooked. In search of a simple, efficient and safe solution to treat temporal-orbital fall, the author describes a technique of temporal lift with repositioning of the eyebrow tail to treat aging and flaccidity of the temporal-orbital region. Methods: The treatment was performed on 358 patients between 2017 and 2020, in face lifts or temporal lifts. Of these, only 30 were included in the article because they underwent temporal lifts exclusively, with or without blepharoplasty. Through a marginal, "W" type, intra-capillary incision in the temporal region and with supra-SMAS detachment, we performed muscle-aponeurotic treatment of the orbital-temporal region and excessive skin resection. Results: The technique presented was efficient in raising and opening the tail of the eyebrows in all treated cases, in addition to the effect of loss of contractile function of the lateral portion of the orbicularis muscle, with significant improvement of peri-orbital wrinkles and temporal-orbital flaccidity. Conclusion: The efficacy and the excellent results achieved with the described operative technique, associated with the scarcity of isolated or specific treatment options for the orbital-temporal region, make the proposed temporo-orbital lift an excellent alternative for the rejuvenation of this region.

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INTRODUCTION: The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) is a controversial functional fibro-adipose layer that connects the mimic muscles to the skin and is involved in a variety of facial mimic expressions. The presence of muscle fibers within SMAS fibrous septa is hypothetical. The present study analyzed SMAS fibrous septa composition for the existence of striated muscle cells. METHODS: Histological serial sections of the sample borders (n=107) of 19 in sano-resected and diagnosed cutaneous tumors of the midfacial region were investigated. Immunohistochemical (actin and myosin) and hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed to detect striated muscle cells in SMAS fibrous septa. RESULTS: A fibro-neuro-musculo-vascular functional unit within SMAS fibrous septa was demonstrated. SMAS striated muscle cells were morphologically independent from preparotideal and periorbital mimic muscles. Intraseptal blood vessels draining the superficial and deep SMAS vascular system were described. CONCLUSIONS: Striated muscle cells were demonstrated within SMAS fibrous septa. Nerve cells and vascular tissue together with the SMAS fibro-muscular meshwork demonstrated an autonomous operating functional unit that hypothetical modulated individual mimic expression contributing to the diversity of mimic expression. The SMAS develops with mimic muscle contractions as a synergetic effect during facial crease and fold formation processes.

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Introdução: O envelhecimento do terço inferior da face promove o apagamento da definição da borda mandibular e do ângulo cervicofacial, além do surgimento das bandas platismais na região anterior do pescoço. Os pacientes têm grande expectativa de que o facelift resolva de maneira significativa tais efeitos. Para alcançar estes resultados, desenvolvemos uma abordagem cuja finalidade é a definição marcante do que chamamos de cintura cervicofacial. Métodos: O autor propõe uma nova abordagem cirúrgica de facelift já realizada em 444 pacientes consecutivos, desde 2015, que envolve uma plicatura agressiva do SMAS-platisma somada a uma tração lateral, também por plicatura, das bandas mediais do platisma. Resultados: Apesar da dificuldade em comparar resultados com diferentes técnicas, percebemos claramente uma melhora significativa nos nossos resultados com a nova técnica cirúrgica, sem aumento dos índices de complicações. Discussão: Buscamos novas técnicas pelo fato de que os tratamentos clássicos da região cervical nos parecem falhos e baseados em conceitos mal fundamentados. Estes envolvem a plicatura medial das bandas platismais por abordagem submentoniana, aproximando-as e prejudicando a elevação cranial do SMAS-platisma. Assim, passamos a realizar plicaturas laterais diretamente sobre as bandas através do acesso lateral do descolamento da face, com confecção de uma cintura cervicofacial. Conclusão: A soma dos efeitos da plicatura do SMAS com a plicatura lateral da banda medial do platisma torna a definição cervicofacial mais nítida com otimização importante dos efeitos estéticos desejados.

Introduction: The aging of the lower third of the face stimulates the definition deletion of the mandibular border and the cervicofacial angle, besides the appearance of platysmal bands in the anterior neck region. Patients have high expectations that the facelift will significantly resolve such effects. To achieve these results, we have developed an approach to defining what we call the cervicofacial waist. Methods: The author proposes a new surgical facelift approach that has been performed on 444 consecutive patients since 2015, which involves an aggressive plication of the SMAS-platysma plus lateral traction, also by plication, of the platysma medial bands. Results: Despite the difficulty in comparing results with different techniques, we perceive a significant improvement in our results with the new surgical technique, without increasing the complication rates. Discussion: We are looking for new techniques because the cervical region's traditional treatments seem flawed and based on ill-founded concepts. These involve the medial plication of the platysma bands by a submental approach, bringing them closer together and impairing the cranial elevation of the SMAS-platysma. Thus, we started to directly perform lateral plications on the bands through the lateral access of the face detachment, making a cervicofacial waist. Conclusion: The sum of the effects of the plication of the SMAS with the lateral plication of the platysma medial band makes the cervicofacial definition clearer with important optimization of the desired aesthetic effects.

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Rhytidectomy techniques have evolved since the early 1900s. As the understanding of facial anatomy and the aging process expanded, the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) became a focal point in developing longer-lasting, natural results. Further evolution led to various approaches in repositioning the SMAS layer, including subperiosteal, composite, and deep plane rhytidectomies. This article describes the nuances of SMAS rhytidectomy, the biplanar SMAS imbrication technique, and adjuvant procedures used. This biplanar SMAS technique has been refined over more than 25 years and has proved to be a reliable and safe technique that leads to high patient satisfaction with minimal complications.

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BACKGROUND: We propose a technical variation of the minimally invasive suture suspension facelift. METHODS: A novel variation of the minimally invasive facelift is proposed. The technique consists of two components. The anterior component addresses aging of the midface by anchoring the SMAS on to the sturdy retroauricular supra-helical deep temporal fascia using approximately 6-8 passes of a 4/0 Mersilene suture. The posterior component addresses cervical aging by securing the posterior edge of the platysma onto the sturdy mastoid fascia, using multiple loops of a 4/0 Mersilene suture. This technique was performed on 100 consecutive patients between 2005 and 2010. RESULTS: The technique was found to be safe due to the plane of dissection remaining superficial to the parotid gland in the anterior component. There were no instances of facial nerve injury or sensory disturbance. None of the patients required a secondary procedure within the first 18 months following the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: This technique offers a safe and effective option for patients who seek a facelift, especially in combination with other procedures. It is envisaged that the use of multiple loops of suture to anchor mobile tissue onto fixed sturdy fascia will contribute to the longevity of the results. The limited skin undermining also makes this procedure a better choice for smokers.

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BACKGROUND: Data reporting the use of modified facelift incision (MFI) approach with or without superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) reconstruction in parotid malignancy are limited. To enhance the limited knowledge in this subject, the authors of the current study report quality data of MFI in patients with parotid malignancy with or without SMAS reconstruction. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of parotid malignancy patients treated with the MFI over a 5-year period (2015-2019) in the 1st ENT University Department, University of Athens, Greece. RESULTS: We identified five patients with parotid malignancy. We performed MFI parotidectomy in 5/5 patients and SMAS reconstruction in 2/5 patients. All tumors were classified as T1N0M0. After a mean follow-up of 43.6 months (minimum, 36; maximum, 55), we noted no recurrence. The patients reported no Frey's syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The authors of the current study suggest consideration of the MFI approach in parotid malignancy. A MFI approach should at least favor small parotid tumors without neck metastatic disease (T1cN0). Surgeons could also address larger tumors with a MFI approach. Surgeons should reconstruct the parotid lodge with a SMAS advancement flap in tumors not in proximity with the SMAS.

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OBJECTIVE: The superficial musculoaponeurotic system connects the mimic muscles to the skin, allowing mimic expressions with regional morphological architectural differences. The aim of this study was to perform an architectural analysis of the cervical platysma-skin interaction, determine the morphological implications in platysmal band development and compare the findings to the facial SMAS architectural types. METHOD: Full-thickness blocks of skin, SMAS and platysma from seven hemifaces (three male and two female) and full-thickness blocks of skin, SMAS and mimic muscles of the periorbital, perioral, forehead and midfacial regions from six hemifaces (three male and three female) of donor bodies were collected postmortem. Serial histological sections were cut and stained with Azan. After the morphological analysis, three-dimensional reconstruction of the tissue block was performed with AutoCAD. The morphological and mechanical properties of the different facial SMAS types were compared with those of the cervical SMAS. RESULTS: The architecture of the cervical SMAS (type V) consists of parallel, aligned septum fibrosus profundus and septum fibrosus superficialis tissue connected by vertical, aligned septa fibrotica commisurales tissue delimiting fatty tissue compartments transferring platysmal contractions to the skin. The facial morphological dynamic mimic pattern (SMAS types I, II and III) describes the point-by-point transfer of mimic muscle bundle contractions to the skin, explaining facial crease formation. The cervical morphological dynamic mimic pattern (SMAS type V) can be explained by dual traction force collimation over the septum fibrosus superficialis and profundus in platysmal band development. CONCLUSIONS: The cervical SMAS (type V) description supports the hypothesis that the SMAS and platysma have different morphological origins. The two different facial and cervical morphological dynamic mimic patterns support the phenotypical difference between facial fold and platysmal band development.

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BACKGROUND: A plethora of noninvasive approaches has been developed in recent years for facial rejuvenation. Energy-based devices have been one of the most popular treatments for reversing and preventing signs of facial aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, ptosis, and photoaging. AIMS: A new technology (RecoSMA) for skin rejuvenation based on acoustic-interference method using Er:YAG laser (2936 nm) equipped with a special module that targets both the dermis and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) was recently demonstrated to be safe and effective in facial rejuvenation. PATIENT/METHODS: In this follow-up prospective study, the clinical effects of recoSMA treatment on skin structures and SMAS were evaluated with ultrasound and histological analysis, at 30 and 90 days posttreatment. RESULTS: Treatment with recoSMA was shown to result in a significant increase in thickness of the epidermis, dermis, and SMAS layer, while levels of collagen I, III, and IV were shown to be elevated at 90 days posttreatment. CONCLUSION: Collectively, data show that treatment with recoSMA laser has a profound biological effect in stimulating and reconstructing the elastin/collagen framework necessary for preventing facial aging.

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Facial folds and creases are established descriptive anatomical terms for structures of which the morphological characteristics and origins are not clearly defined. The aim of this study was to perform a morphological investigation of the nasolabial fold (NLF), mandibular fold (MF), deep transverse forehead (DTFC), infraorbital fold (IOF) and upper eyelid fold (UEF), correlating their phenotypes to differences in the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), noting morphological differences and similarities. Full-graft tissue blocks of skin, subcutaneous tissue, and mimic muscles collected postmortem were studied histologically. Serial histological sections were stained with Azan. Location- and composition-specific morphological differences were determined. Histological serial section digitalization and three-dimensional reconstruction of the tissue blocks were performed. Three different types of SMAS architecture were identified. Type I SMAS consisted of parallel-aligned fibrous septa connecting the mimic muscles to the skin that covered the cheek, infraorbital and supraorbital, and forehead areas. Type II SMAS morphology appeared as a condensed Type I SMAS architecture with stronger fibrous septa and smaller fatty tissue compartments covering the lower and upper lip areas. Type III SMAS consisted of loose connective tissue covering the lower and upper eyelid regions. NLF, MF, IOF, and UEF are habitual primary folds induced by morphological changes in the underlying SMAS architecture. The secondary, accidental creases (DTFC) are cutaneous depressions derived from interacting dermal-skeletal-muscular changes without SMAS structure changes. The upper and lower eyelid wrinkles were tertiary, age-related undulating skin redundancy formations. Clin. Anat. 32:573-584, 2019. © 2019 The Authors. Clinical Anatomy published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Clinical Anatomists.

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INTRODUCTION: The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) of the midface has a complex morphological architecture, and a multitude of controversial opinions exist regarding its in vitro appearance and clinical relevance. The aim of this study was to investigate the three-dimensional architecture of the midfacial SMAS. METHOD: Histological and SEM analyses were performed on tissue blocks of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and mimic musculature of the midfacial region between the anterior parotid gland pole and lateral to the nasolabial fold and tissue blocks of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and parotid fascia. Blocks were collected postmortem from six formalin-fixed donor bodies. Serial histological sections were made, stained with Azan and digitized. Three-dimensional reconstructions and visualization of the tissue blocks were performed using AutoCAD. RESULTS: Two different SMAS architectures were found in the midfacial region: parotideal (type IV) and preparotideal (type I) SMAS. Type I SMAS showed three-dimensional interconnecting fibrous chambers embracing fat tissue lobules that cushioned the space between the skin and mimic musculature. Fibrous septa divided the mimic musculature surrounding the muscular bundles. Beneath the mimic muscular level, SMAS septa were oriented parallel to the muscular plane. Above the mimic muscular plane, SMAS septa were oriented perpendicularly, inserted into the skin. Type IV SMAS showed a parallel alignment of the fibrous septa to the skin level, anchoring the skin to the parotid fascia, presenting lymphatic nodes in the fat tissue compartments. The fat cells of the SMAS were enveloped in a fibrotic membrane at the border of the fibro-muscular septa. The SMAS blood supply comprised two subcutaneously epimuscularly spreading anastomosing vascular systems. CONCLUSIONS: Midfacial SMAS represents a functional unit with physical and immunological tasks appearing in two different morphological architecture types. A well-defined nomenclature is needed to prevent controversy.

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