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MINI REVIEW article

Front. Surg.
Sec. Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery
Volume 11 - 2024 | doi: 10.3389/fsurg.2024.1410162

Autologous fat grafting for cosmetic temporal augmentation: A systematic review

Provisionally accepted
Sahra Nasim Sahra Nasim 1Henna Nasim Henna Nasim 1Martin Kauke-Navarro MD Martin Kauke-Navarro MD 2,3Ali F. Safi Ali F. Safi 1,3*
  • 1 University of Bern, Bern, Bern, Switzerland
  • 2 Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, United States
  • 3 Craniologicum, Center for Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, Bern, Switzerland, Bern, Bern, Switzerland

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    Background Autologous fat grafting for temporal augmentation is increasingly popular in aesthetic surgery. However, its high absorption rate, unpredictable volume retention rate, and potential safety risks are significant drawbacks. Therefore, this systematic review aims to analyze the unpredictable volume retention rate, associated safety concerns, and the various assessment strategies following autologous fat grafting for cosmetic temporal augmentation. Methods We conducted a systematic review of manuscripts listed in the MEDLINE/PubMed database on autologous fat grafting for cosmetic temporal augmentation. Articles had to be available in full text and written in English. Studies not presenting human data or not discussing cosmetic indications were excluded. We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results Eight articles were included. The average fat volume injected into each temporal region was 10.69 ml (range 6-17.5) on the right and 10.64 ml (range 5.9-17.4) on the left side. All included articles utilized photographic documentation before and after treatment, along with various questionnaires and scales (37.5% Likert Scale, 12.5% Hollowness Severity Rating Scale, 12.5% Visual Analogue Scale, 12.5% Allergan Temple Hollowing Scale). For objective assessment, one article (12.5%) used computed tomography, and another (12.5%) employed a three-dimensional scanning system to objectively evaluate fat graft survival. Conclusion Autologous fat grafting effectively addresses temporal hollowness, with high patient satisfaction and a favorable safety profile. Variability in fat retention rates highlights the need for more controlled studies.

    Keywords: Autologous fat grafting, Temporal augmentation, Facial rejuvenation, volume retention, Patient Satisfaction, Fat Transfer Techniques, Systematic review

    Received: 31 Mar 2024; Accepted: 02 Sep 2024.

    Copyright: © 2024 Nasim, Nasim, Kauke-Navarro MD and Safi. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence: Ali F. Safi, University of Bern, Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland

    Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.