ABSTRACT
Since the majority of volume loss to the face is due to fat atrophy, autologous fat
grafting with living fat cells represents the ideal tissue replacement. Recent technical
improvements have led to excellent results utilizing fat grafting for cosmetic and
reconstructive indications. The purpose of theis article is to describe our clinical
and laboratory experience with successful facial fat grafting for volume augmentation.
Our laboratory experience with facial fat grafting centers around the results of multiple
studies utilizing a nude mouse model of facial fat transplantation. Armed with the
knowledge gained from our laboratory experience we present modified techniques to
optimize fat grafting in the clinical setting. Furthermore, we present the results
of several clinical studies examining a variety of recipient sites including nasolabial
folds, glabella, lips, and lower eyelids. Lastly we describe our experience utilizing
fat grafting to treat patients with hemifacial atrophy. When utilized in the appropriate
areas, facial fat grafting can provide long-lasting aesthetically superior replacement
for the soft tissues lost through aging or disease.
KEYWORDS
Fat transplantation - fat grafting - lipo-augmentation - fat injection
