Facial Contouring with MD Codes
Facial contouring using the innovative MD Codes method is professionally performed at the Mana Clinic in Mashhad. Before undergoing this procedure, you can gather essential information through this article and receive free consultations from the clinic’s experts to guide you in making an informed decision.
Introduction
The use of hyaluronic acid fillers for facial rejuvenation, especially for reducing wrinkles and sagging, has become a popular method. However, achieving patient satisfaction often requires a more comprehensive approach, one that addresses “emotional cues” in the face, such as fatigue, sadness, or aging, rather than merely focusing on lines and skin folds.
What are MD Codes?
MD Codes™ is a system that:
-
Divides the face into anatomical units and subunits, with each code (e.g., Ck1 for cheekbones, T1 for temples, etc.) specifying the injection dose, depth, tool (needle or cannula), and technique (bolus, fan technique, etc.).
-
Uses symbolic language to help clinicians, both beginners and experienced professionals, perform procedures in a stable and optimized manner.
Treatment Algorithm: Foundation, Contour, Refinement
The treatment is performed in three stages:
-
Foundation: Creating structure and lift in the mid-face area.
-
Contour: Shaping the upper and lower face, including the forehead and chin areas, such as the temples or jawline.
-
Refinement: Finalizing details like dark circles under the eyes, smile lines, and lips.
The precise selection of treatment points is based on algorithms that take into account the degree of volume loss or sagging. For sagging cheeks, codes range from Ck1 to Ck5, and for temples, from T1 to T2, depending on the severity.
Table: MD Codes Treatment Process
| Stage | Treatment Goal | Example Codes |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Lift and base structure | Ck1, Ck2, Ck3, Ck4 (cheeks) |
| Upper Contour | Contouring temple area | T1, T2 (temples) |
| Lower Contour | Shaping jawline, chin, and double chin | C1–C6, Jw1–Jw5 |
| Refinement | Refining delicate facial areas | Tt1–Tt3 (under eyes), NLs, Lps |
Clinical Case Example
In a clinical study, three individuals—two women and one man—used the MD Codes algorithm to correct a fatigued and sagging appearance. The treatment followed a gradual approach: first, the foundation (cheeks), followed by contouring (temples and jawline), and finally, refinement (under-eye area and smile lines). The injection volume was managed per session, and the results were satisfactory.
Application in Research and Results
A study involving 250 patients showed that after using MD Codes alongside Botox and Vycross fillers, the psychological stress score related to appearance (FACE-Q) dropped from around 54 to 36. The most common minor side effects included bruising (35%), transient edema (14%), and prolonged edema around the eyes (3.6%).
A narrative review of under-eye injections using MD Codes revealed that this method clearly specifies the order and volume of injections, leading to immediate and symmetrical rejuvenation.
Benefits, Limitations, and Future Directions
Benefits:
-
Reduces variability in technique among clinicians through a shared language.
-
Improves patient satisfaction by focusing on emotional cues, beyond just lines and folds.
Limitations:
-
Results are highly dependent on the skill of the clinician.
-
Most current evidence is level IV (case studies, narrative approaches, and single-center studies) and requires more extensive randomized trials.
Future Outlook:
-
Development of more advanced algorithms (e.g., MD DYNA Codes) to address facial symmetry, movements, and the “joker smile” phenomenon in MD Codes.
-
Greater clinician training through international webinars to enhance expertise.
Conclusion
MD Codes™ provides a comprehensive approach to facial contouring with precise definitions of injection areas, treatment sequence, and related techniques. Its focus on natural beauty and emotional cues, along with structured treatment planning, makes it an effective non-surgical tool for enhancing aesthetics. With further research and broader clinician training, its effectiveness will continue to be substantiated and refined in the future.
