Midface Volume and the Ogee Curve

There are various reference lines on the face that indicate different aesthetic standards, and among the lines mentioned in facial rejuvenation surgery is the 'Ogee curve.'

'What is the Ogee curve?'

The Ogee curve refers to the soft, natural S-shaped curve seen from the side of the face, extending from the center of the cheek to the area under the eyes.

The Ogee curve on the side of the face. Source: Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology

▸ Location:

• The curve that runs from below the cheekbone to under the eyes and the front cheekbone

• A key structure of the midface, where volume is properly maintained

▸ Features of a good Ogee curve:

• It has natural fullness

• There are no hollowed or sunken areas

• The area under the eyes and the cheeks connect smoothly

Unfortunately, as we age, fat in the midface decreases, and the curve breaks down as the area under the eyes becomes hollow or puffy.

The midface of a younger person and the midface broken down by aging. Changes in the Ogee curve due to aging. Source: Allergan aesthetics

Fat under the eyes protrudes, and the area below it becomes hollow, creating a tired-looking impression. The soft S-shaped curve from youth disappears, and the midface becomes flat.

'Restore the Ogee curve with lower blepharoplasty'

Simple ways to improve the Ogee curve, which is directly linked to midface volume and continuity, may include fillers and fat grafting.

However, these procedures require caution because rather than lifting the midface, they can cause sagging due to excessive volume.

The midface of a woman in her late 50s. This is a real model with consent for disclosure.

This patient is a woman in her late 50s who visited us with aging of the midface accompanied by under-eye aging.

Skin laxity, protrusion of under-eye fat, and hollowing of the tear trough were of course observed, but the flat Ogee curve seen from a 45-degree angle stood out the most.

During lower blepharoplasty, nothing is unimportant: redistribution of under-eye fat, suspension fixation of the orbicularis oculi muscle, fixation of the lateral canthus, and appropriate skin excision.

However, the key step in lifting the under-eye area and midface is lifting the midface fat layer called the SOOF (SubOrbicularis Oculi Fat).

This is why SOOF lifting is important in lower blepharoplasty, and through this procedure, a youthful midface with volume and an Ogee curve can be created.

Three months after lifting lower blepharoplasty in a woman in her late 50s. This is a real model with consent for disclosure.

'Before and after lower blepharoplasty with midface lifting in the late 50s'

Before and after lower blepharoplasty in the 50s. Lower blepharoplasty review in the 50s. This is a real model with consent for disclosure. Lifting lower blepharoplasty in the 50s. Quad-plus lower blepharoplasty in the 50s. This is a real model with consent for disclosure.

The Ogee curve is a key curve of a youthful face.

This is why the results of fourth-generation lower blepharoplasty are excellent, going beyond simply correcting the under-eye area to restore the three-dimensionality and volume of the entire midface.

Before and after lower blepharoplasty. Lower blepharoplasty review. This is a real model with consent for disclosure.