OBJECTIVETo decide the safe dissection plane and evaluate the multiple materials used for the fronto-temporal augmentation.

METHODSClinical anatomical observation were made during the fronto-temporal operations. Forty-one patients were treated for the fronto-temporal augmentation with various granular or patched materials in different anatomical plane.

RESULTSFour relatively safe dissection planes were found in the fronto-temporal area: (1) subcutaneous or above superficial temporal fascia, (2) subgalea plane 1.5 cm above the zygomatic arch, (3) between the deep temporal fascia and the temporal muscle, and (4) beneath the temporal periosteum. With the follow-ups from 6 months to 1 year, the appearance after the fronto-temporal augmentation in each patient was satisfactory or improved, except for the fat granule group with partial absorption and the ePTFE or Medpor hypothesis group shown a stepped contouring at the margin in a few patients.

CONCLUSIONFour dissection planes could be shown in the fronto-temporal region for the augmentation plasty with different advantages and disadvantages. The combination could be overcome the disadvantages to improve the results. Fat granule could be the best autograft for frontotemporal augmentation.

Adult ; Biocompatible Materials ; therapeutic use ; Ceramics ; therapeutic use ; Durapatite ; therapeutic use ; Face ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Materials Testing ; Middle Aged ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; Temporal Bone ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome