Complications and outcomes of grafting of posterior orbital fat into the lower lid-cheek junction during orbital decompression

Efficacy, safety and complications of autologous fat grafting to the eyelids and periorbital area: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

In recent years, autologous fat grafting (AFG), also known as fat transfer or lipofilling, has been widely performed for periorbital rejuvenation and defect correction, although the evidence regarding its efficacy and safety is still lacking. Besides, with respect to the periorbital region, it is invariably the earliest appearance area of the facial aging phenomenon. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis is needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this technique.

Methods

A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library databases on November 20, 2020, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, to identify all relevant articles. Then, a data extraction and standardization process was performed to assess all outcome data. Ultimately, the data were assessed using a random effects regression model with comprehensive meta-analysis software.

Results

Thirty-nine studies consisting of 3 cohorts and 36 case series with a total of 4046 cases were included. Meta-analysis revealed a relatively high satisfaction rate of 90.9% (95% CI, 86.4%–94.0%). Frequent complications in 4046 patients receiving AFG were edema, chemosis, and contour irregularity, with an overall complication rate of 7.9% (95% CI, 4.8%–12.8%).

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that AFG for rejuvenation of eyelids and periorbital area provided a high satisfaction rate and did not result in severe complications. Therefore, AFG might be performed safely for periorbital rejuvenation and reconstruction.

Properly Diluted Fat (PDF): An Easy and Safe Approach to Periocular Fat Grafting

BACKGROUND

The main challenge of periocular fat grafting is the risk of contour irregularities, especially in the lower eyelid. Injection of diluted fat can decrease the likelihood of poor contour.

OBJECTIVES

The authors developed a simple method of periocular fat grafting in which the fat was harvested through unconventional cannulas and diluted before the injection to avoid the risk of contour irregularities.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 200 patients who underwent fat grafting to the periocular region. Lipoaspirate was obtained through a 0.5-mm multiple-hole cannula and then was centrifuged. A solution of 70% fat was prepared (ie, properly diluted fat [PDF]) with saline and infranatant fluid as the diluent. The recipient site was tunnelized with a 1.2-mm cannula, and PDF was transferred utilizing a 1.2-mm cannula containing a single 1-mm hole. Aesthetic improvement was ascertained from pre- and postoperative photographs evaluated by 3 examiners.

RESULTS

A total of 164 (82%) patients received follow-up 6 months postoperatively, and 83 of these patients (41.5%) returned for monitoring 1 year postoperatively. Nearly all patients had improvement in periocular contour, but variable loss of volume was observed by 1 year. Patients who presented initially with scleral show often had noticeable improvement. At 1 year, only 3 patients experienced contour irregularities comprising soft bulges, similar to fat hernias. Two patients showed fat accumulation after substantial weight gain later than 1 year postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Preparation and periocular delivery of PDF by the described techniques yield good contour with a low risk of visible masses occurrence.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4