Facial Volumetric Structural Rejuvenation: A Natural Approach to Restoring Youthfulness and Preventing Aging

When rejuvenating the face with soft tissue fillers, one must consider its structural framework, and patient specific goals/needs holistically to achieve natural results.^1-3 I have developed a distinct methodology called volumetric structural rejuvenation (VSRTM), that can be applied to both genders and all ages.^4-5 My ultimate goal is to deliver true to life and form results amalgamated in my patient’s look. The benefits of VSR are a) minimal patient discomfort, b) no incisions, c) no downtime. I have treated hundreds of patients with VSR and results are durable, require minimal touchups, and reflect on an overall glow/radiance due to the biological properties of the fillers.The first step to volumetric structural rejuvenation is to place the fillers supra-periosteally to lay the foundation of the upper, mid, and lower face. The goal is to replete volume loss due to deflation of the temporal, preauricular lateral cheek, mid-cheek, and mandibular fat pads and to address musculoskeletal atrophy.^4,6,7 The three key access points of injections are the temporal fossa, the midface, and the jawline.Following these injections, three supportive ligament sites are marked and filler is placed in the deep dermis to provide fibrous fixation points and restrain the facial skin against gravitational changes: the pyriform (superior part nasolabial fold), the modiolus (lateral to the inferior part of nasolabial fold), and McGregor’s patch (posterior to the zygomaticus minor muscle).The final step of VSR involves dermal/subcutaneous injections to customize facial contouring and focal points depending on the physician’s assessment of patient’s anatomy and individualized goals. These include focal injections in sites of superficial lipoatrophy, injections to contour the face and soften any sharp angles (particularly the jawline area), and injections towards the hairline for lateral vectoring. This last step of customization requires an intimate communication, prior to treatment, between the patient and physician. As a provider, I make sure to describe all available options, for example tapered vs rounded cheek, for optimal results.⁸Finally, as different patients, regardless of their age, present varying levels of lipoatrophy, the VSR technique can be readily modified to adapt to the needs of the patient for panfacial structural rejuvenation. Beginning the VSR program early is central to age prophylaxis and ensuring skin health.