The Undesirable Influence of Reconstructive Procedures on the Symmetry of the Nasolabial Folds

• Published in: Dermatologic surgery 2005-11, Vol.31 (11), p.1409-1416
• Main Author: Cook, Jonathan L
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aging - physiology; Biological and medical sciences; Dermatology; Esthetics; Face - surgery; Facial Asymmetry - etiology; Humans; Medical sciences; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures - adverse effects; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures - methods; Skin plastic surgery; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Treatment Failure
• ISSN: 1076-0512; 1524-4725
• DOI: 10.1097/00042728-200511000-00006

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESAlthough considerable attention has been directed toward the nasolabial fold in the esthetic surgery literature, there are infrequent discussions of the foldʼs importance in reconstructive surgery of the face. Because the use of common reconstructive techniques for wounds of the central face often introduces undesirable asymmetry to the nasolabial folds, reconstructive surgeons should be more aware of the esthetic consequences of manipulating the nasolabial folds. METHODSThe influence of selected reconstructive procedures of the central face on the form and symmetry of the nasolabial folds is analyzed through the examination of multiple clinical examples of reconstructive successes and failures in this area. RESULTSMany commonly performed reconstructive procedures of the face introduce changes in the nasolabial foldʼs depth, slope, and location. The inherent asymmetries that such procedures introduce frequently detract from their overall esthetic results. CONCLUSIONSThe nasolabial fold is a visually distinct unit of the face that deserves more attention from reconstructive surgeons. When possible, surgical alterations of the fold should be minimized to preserve facial symmetry.