Clinical effect of autologous fat grafting in the frontotemporal augmentation

Objective To explore the clinical effect of autologous fat grafting in frontotemporal augmentation. Methods The fat granule was harvested from patient's abdomen or both medial knees by a multi-holed liposuction cannula attached to a syringe with negative pressure. Then the syringe was held vertically with the open end pointing downward until the fat and fluid were separated. The aqueous layer at the bottom and the oil layer on the top were discarded. The fat without being washed was directly transferred into 2 ml syringes and injected into bilateral temple and frontal depression area with a multi-plane, multi-tunnel, multi-point approach. The volume of injection was over 20%-30%. From March 2010 to March 2013, 117 patients underwent this procedure. Results In all the 117 cases, there were no complications such as hematoma, induration, and infection. There were 11 cases (11.4%) in temple and 13 cases (20.0%) in frontal region achieved aesthetically-acceptable results after the second treatment. There was no statistically significant difference in secondary operation rates between the temple group and the frontal grouup (χ2=2.229, P>0.05). Based on the follow-up for 3-36 months on all 117 cases, satisfactory results were obtained with improved frontotemporal contour and skin texture. The volume retention of transplanted fat was estimated between 60% and 80%, which was based on subjective analysis of photographs. Conclusions Autologous fat grafting in frontotemporal depression is a convnient technique with reliable clinical results. It is also an optimal and safe method for facial rejuvenation and contouring remodeling. Key words: Autologous fat transplantation; Fat granule; Facial rejuvennation