Aesthet Surg J. 2023 Jul 7:sjad214. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjad214. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The volume and position of the buccal fat pad (BFP) were reported to change with age, which manifests as a hollow midface. Previous studies showed that autologous fat grafting for BFP augmentation could effectively ameliorate midfacial hollowing.
OBJECTIVES: We aimed to introduce a modified fat grafting technique for female patients with midfacial hollowing to restore the volume of BFP, and to evaluate the safety and effectiveness thereof.
METHODS: Two cadavers were used for the dissection of the BFP and the demonstration of our surgical procedures. Forty-eight patients were treated for midfacial hollowing with our modified grafting strategy. Through a percutaneous zygomatic incision, we filled the BFP and observed an immediate amelioration in the hollow area. Improvements were evaluated by Ogee line and its Ogee angle, Face-Q questionnaires, and three-party satisfaction ratings. Clinical profiles were reviewed and statistically analysed.
RESULTS: The Ogee angle was 6.6 ± 1.9° pre-operatively and 3.9 ± 1.4° post-operatively (average reduction, 2.7°). Patients’ Ogee lines were smoother post-operatively, with marked improvements in overall appearance, psychological well-being, and social confidence. Patients reported high satisfaction with decision-making and post-operative outcomes and felt 6.61 ± 2.21 years younger. Overall, 88%, 76%, and 83% of the cases were graded as good and excellent in improvement by surgeon, patient, and the third party, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: For age-dependent midfacial hollowing in female patients, our modified percutaneous grafting technique was safe and efficacious in restoring BFP volume. With this technique, a smoother Ogee line and a natural, younger midfacial contour could be achieved.
PMID:37418635 | DOI:10.1093/asj/sjad214
