Lateral facial thread lifting procedure with temporal anchoring in deep temporal fascia: Anatomical perspectives of superficial temporal artery

Abstract

Introduction: Thread lifting is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that utilizes threads to lift and tighten sagging skin on the face. In Lateral face lifting with anchoring technique, the threads are inserted into the skin and anchored in place to provide support to the skin at artery free zone. This technique utilizes a long cog thread, allowing for stronger fixation points. The optimal location for thread anchoring is in the fascia of the treatment area.

Method and materials: The study was performed with twelve cadavers with twenty-four specimens of head from cadavers and was processed using phosphotungstic acid-based contrast enhancement micro-computed tomography and conventional computed tomography. The superficial temporal artery with branches of parietal and temporal were then observed with image Slicer program to analyze the safe anchoring place for the deep temporal fascia. The main branch was selected with diameter over 0.3 mm and less than 0.3 mm was regarded as arteriole. Additionally, a case of deep temporal tagging with the Secret Miracle (Hyundae Meditech Co., Ltd., South Korea) has been used for lifting procedures.

Result: The main branch of the parietal branch located posteriorly was located mean of -13 mm (range of +5.5 mm to -23 mm). And the temporal artery ran most anteriorly had mean of 44 mm anteriorly (range of 32 to 59 mm). The safe area for the tagging is at the deep temporal fascia between the superior temporal line and inferior temporal line. The safe range of deep temporal fascia is a vertical line crossing tragus from 1 to 3 cm anteriorly.

Conclusion: By analyzing the result of the superficial temporal artery of parietal and temporal branches the ideal tagging place for the thread anchoring area has been suggested.