Two renowned surgeons from Italy present their vast knowledge of one of the most challenging fields of cosmetic surgery: rejuvenation of the periorbital region, midface, and neck.

Volume 1 of Midface and Neck Aesthetic Plastic Surgery was edited by Dr Giovanni Botti;

volume 2 was edited by Dr Mario Pelle Ceravolo.

Volume 1, the focus of this book review, features 560 pages and 2732 illustrations. Eight of the 10 chapters are written by Botti himself. All chapters are structured similarly, and a level of difficulty and procedure time are provided for each specific technique. Also included is a list of indications and a description of specific advantages and disadvantages of the various techniques.

The first chapter provides in-depth descriptions of anatomy, physiology, and pathology, demonstrating Botti’s extensive knowledge of key areas such as preparation in cadaver dissections, intraoperative imagery, and incorporation of computer-animated graphics into original illustrations. The images presented are excellent and of high-quality resolution.

The chapters that follow deal with the main aesthetic surgical procedures of the periorbital and midface region. Starting with Chapter 2, Botti describes one of his specialties, the midface lift, terming it “the third millennium revolution in facial surgery.” He explains its history, along with the pathophysiology of aging, and provides a broad overview of the various approaches and techniques of midface lifting—all in an effective didactic structure. A very interesting addendum includes the opinions of world-renowned surgeons in the field of midface rejuvenation. Chapters 3 and 4 deal with the main techniques performed by Botti: the midface lift with temporal anchoring and the transpalpebral midface lift. Excellent results are demonstrated, and numerous step-by-step intraoperative photographs are provided. Chapters 5 and 6 contain informative editorials on cosmetic surgery of the upper eyelid and lower eyelid, including discussions of local anatomy, clinical aspects, and basic techniques. Botti clarifies his approaches and different indications.

In Chapter 7, Botti and Ceravolo clarify the differences between canthopexies and canthoplasties, again with outstanding computer-animated illustrations. They describe these well-established standard techniques in an effective and instructive manner, making them easily understandable, and highlight their personal approaches while pointing out the essential risks of certain procedures (which are tagged in yellow boxes). Chapter 9 features a description of the combination of midface lifts with neck and lower cheek lifts, again in an exemplary illustrative manner.

Chapter 8 has been strengthened by the knowledge of 2 specialists in the surgical correction of endocrine orbitopathy: Dr Luigi Clauser from Ferrara, Italy, and Dr Paolo Castelnuovo from Varese, Italy. Clauser provides well-organized and comprehensive information on the challenging topic of orbital decompression; he addresses fat removal, bony decompression, and other important issues. His brief but essential descriptions of correcting the upper and lower eyelid, along with his superb postoperative results, will aid readers in advancing their surgical skills. Castelnuovo presents his experience with endoscopic endonasal bony decompression, which is illustrated extremely well, consistent with the superb quality of images throughout the book.

Chapter 10, the final chapter, represents a compendium of work by another specialist in maxillofacial surgery, Dr Pier Francesco Nocini from Verona, Italy. Nocini describes his technique for plastic surgeons in Europe far more uncommon way of correcting the midface area, here in specific patients with a deficiency in the maxillary region.

This exceptional textbook represents a unique “lecture” from 2 pioneers to all beginners and professionals involved in this particular field of aesthetic surgery. Botti presents clear descriptions of well-established procedures and shares his successful refinements. He illustrates and emphasizes a tremendous amount of key points relating to this challenging surgery, including the perils and pitfalls of working in the periorbital region, midface, lower face, and neck. The book’s commendable didactic structure and superb illustrations enable plastic surgeons, from beginning surgeons to seasoned experts, to easily read up on this topic and gain knowledge that will help ensure the safe implementation of this surgery. I gave this book a rating of 4 rather than 5 only because a DVD is lacking.

Just as this volume should be included in every plastic surgeon’s must-have list of aesthetic surgery textbooks, so should the companion volume, edited by Mario Pelle Ceravolo, which presents an additional master class and extension of the first volume.