M. M. Montgomery1, W. B. Swicord1, S. S. Collawn2 1University Of Alabama at Birmingham,School Of Medicine,Birmingham, Alabama, USA 2University Of Alabama at Birmingham,Division Of Plastic Surgery,Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Introduction: Autologous fat injections can be used as a cosmetic volumizing agent that decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Adipose tissue is natural, non-immunogenic, and inexpensive. In addition, patients have the added benefit of harvesting the fat from undesirable locations. This study will focus on the risks and benefits of autologous fat grafting to the face.
Methods A retrospective chart review of twenty-four patients who underwent autologous fat transfer to the face at UAB Hospital. These patients underwent similar procedures for the harvesting, processing, and injection of fat. Harvesting typically occurred from the abdomen (88% of patients) using a 3 – 3.7mm cannula. The fat was then processed and put into 1mL syringes that were used to inject the fat into the desired locations. Following surgery, these patients were followed for an average of 6 months. Photos were taken for many patients pre-operatively and post-operatively. We will be examining the volume transferred, complications, and the need for additional fat transfer procedures.
Results: Twenty-four patients were included in the study. The mean amount of fat injected into the face was 23.2mL. There was no incidence of infection, seroma, or embolization in any of the twenty-four patients in the study. Complications were absent in 15 of 24 patients. Mild erythema was present in 4 patients, hematoma or ecchymoses in 3 patients, dermatitis in 1 patient, and numbness in 1 patient. Each of these patients’ symptoms had resolved within 2 weeks to 1 month. Due to the fact most of the fat transfers in this study were performed concomitantly with other procedures (I.e. blepharoplasty or facelift), it is difficult to determine the cause of the complications. Only 1 patient requested additional fat grafting (4 years after the original graft was done).
Conclusion: Autologous fat transfer is a safe and effective anti-aging procedure. There was a low incidence of minor complications and no incidence of serious or lasting complications. Very few patients requested additional fat grafting procedures and most patients reported that they were pleased with their results. Fat grafting is a safe, inexpensive, natural option for anti-aging. We hope that autologous fat transfer can continue to gain popularity and we can continue to improve this technique.
