Biomechanical Analysis of Anchoring Points in Rhytidectomy

Objective To quantify tissue tearing force at various anchoring points on the face. Methods This is a prospective anatomic study using 4 fresh cadavers of persons aged 60 to 70 years at the time of death, for a total of 8 sides. Standardized 1-cm distances were measured at the various anchor points, and a single 0 Prolene suture loop was tied at each standardized anchoring point. Steady force was applied perpendicular to the plane of the face with a digital hanging scale. The scale was pulled until the suture ruptured the tissue at the anchoring point. The values at which the tissue ruptured were recorded, averaged, and compared. Results The average tissue force was 7.01 kg for the root of the zygoma vs 3.44 kg for the temporalis fascia ( P P P P Conclusion The tissue tearing force varies by location on the face as well as suture orientation.