Vertical Vectoring for Facial Lifting

Do you want to bring vertical vectoring to your practice? 

In the past decade, minimally invasive aesthetic procedures have become more popular due to its low risk and fast recovery time. In 2020, providers performed more than 13 million minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in the U.S., which will only continue to grow in the future. Facial aesthetic procedures are highly requested among women to restore a youthful appearance and combat aging. Facial aging occurs in a three-dimensional manner and results in reduced collagen and elastin and reduced superficial and deep fat pads. Most of the changes observed during facial aging occur in the middle and lower face due to the effects of gravity, causing changes in volume and reduced overall facial support networks. 

So what can you do? 

Standard aesthetic procedures like surgical facelifts and facial thread lifting have traditionally been used to combat an aged appearance and descended facial tissue. Surgical facelifts can provide long-lasting results but are expensive and require a longer recovery. Facial thread lifting is a noninvasive technique that mobilizes facial tissue by pulling the aged skin from the mouth towards the temples of the face. Yet, facial thread lifting may have some complications like infections or dimpling and facial irregularities. Recent research has shown significant effects of a newer technique, vertical vector sculpting, by administering soft tissue fillers in the temporal region, suggesting a better and noninvasive alternative. 

What is a vertical vector facial lifting technique? 

Vertical vector facial lifting is a newer technique involving the administration of soft tissue fillers to counteract descending facial tissue. This technique is based on the principles of Newton's third law of motion, which states that every force has an opposing force of equal magnitude in the opposite direction. These forces are represented by vectors, which consist of both magnitude and direction and can be added or subtracted. The force of gravity possesses a downward vector, leading to an aging face. To counteract this downward vector, a vertical vector produced by filler injections can create a cross-product that can mobilize tissue and reverse sagging. This technique aims to provide traction to the facial ligaments that have lost strength due to aging. 

Why inject in the temporal region? 

The temporal space has great potential to influence the forehead, middle face, and lower face due to the facial anatomy and layered arrangement. When the filler is injected into the temporal space, a net upward vector is created, which can be visualized by 3D technology, proving it to be a promising treatment option. Not only is temporal volume loss restored, but the filler strengthens the interconnected facial support networks, reducing the appearance of jowls, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines. The temporal region localizes and stabilizes the product without suffering from the gravitational pull. Vertical vector facial lifting proves to be a novel minimally invasive and promising technique that is safe and effective in restoring a youthful and lifted appearance.