Traitement des plis d'amertume par section du depressor anguli oris : note technique

Marionette folds are typical signs of facial aging. They result from contraction of depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle, which tracts the corner of the mouth inferiorly and laterally. Marionette folds express sadness, contrary to the real mood of patient, and constitute a purpose of consultation. A systematic classification of facial aging types has been developed by Glogau in 1994. It differentiates four types of wrinkles according to their severity. Type IV of marionette folds resists to treatment with filler injection or botulinum toxin type A. Some authors, like Le louarn C., have developed surgery techniques to correct those types IV of marionette folds. In this article, we describe the DAO section technique we use. Intervention occurs under local anaesthesia, by intrabuccal approach. Horizontal mucosal incision is performed 1 cm long, at the vestibular projection of DAO insertion. Orbicularis oris and buccinator muscles are retracted horizontally to let appear the DAO fibers, which are cut until subdermal fat is seen. This technique must be completed by botulinum toxin type A injection in the inferior part of the DAO to avoid muscular regeneration. DAO section is an easy, quick and efficient surgery, which allows perennial correction in marionette folds treatment. It completes other less invasive techniques to enlarge therapeutic possibilities available for surgeons and patients.