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Compartmentally based fat grafting may restore facial fat volume

Compartmentally based fat grafting was associated with restored facial fat volume and, in turn, high patient satisfaction.

Researchers developed a grafting technique based on the physiologic distribution of fat in the face, along with volume changes in compartments, in a cohort of 40 cadaveric hemifaces. The study included 78 women treated for cheek atrophy using the technique.

Clinicians separated the medial and lateral parts of the deep medial cheek fat compartment using a septum that arises from the lateral border of the levator anguli oris muscle, according to the results. Researchers also observed that the angular vein traveled from the deep medial cheek fat compartment to the buccal fat pad. This was observed 12 mm from the maxilla. Each patient underwent a graft of 29.3 mL total volume of fat from each cheek.

Follow-up results at 12 months indicated that volume was augmented at an average rate of 27.1%. At 12 months after the intervention, the researchers also observed pleasing and elevated anterior projection of the cheek along with ameliorated nasolabial groove.

The patient satisfaction rate was 95.2%. – by Rob Volansky

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.