Arch Aesthetic Plast Surg.  2016 Feb;22(1):10-14. 10.14730/aaps.2016.22.1.10.

Facial Augmentation by Intra-Oral Delivery of Autologous Fat

• Copeland-Halperin LR
• Copeland M

• KMID: 2155841
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14730/aaps.2016.22.1.10

Abstract

BACKGROUND
As harvesting techniques have improved the viability of transposed adipose tissue, autologous fat transfer is increasingly utilized for facial augmentation. Conventional techniques involve placing harvested fat deep in subcutaneous tissue through skin punctures. Trans-oral fat injections at the buccal and labial sulci and through the mucosa of the oral commissures obviate external scars. We report experience with this technique for augmentation of the cheeks, zygomatic arch, nasolabial folds, upper and lower lips, and chin in 130 patients over a 14-year period.
METHODS
We report an observational case series of 147 procedures performed in 130 patients (118 women and 12 men, 19-69 years of age) in which 10 to 60 mL autologous fat supernatant harvested from the hips, buttocks, or abdomen were injected through the oral mucosa for augmentation. Single preoperative doses of antibiotic and methylprednisolone were administered in all cases. Fat frozen and banked during initial treatments was used for additional augmentation 3 to 6 months after initial treatments in 46% of cases. Outcomes were assessed clinically with physical exams and photographs.
RESULTS
Mucosal puncture wounds healed uneventfully. Most patients tolerated the procedures well and recovered rapidly compared to historical experience with conventional percutaneous techniques. One patient developed a sterile seroma 3 weeks after facial augmentation that responded to needle aspiration.
CONCLUSIONS
Transmucosal, intra-oral autologous fat grafting was associated with minimal visible scarring, swelling, or infection at the recipient site. This technique may be considered an alternative to percutaneous transfer for proximate peri-oral facial augmentation.

Keyword

Cosmetic techniques; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Rejuvenation; Subcutaneous fat; Tissue transplantation

MeSH Terms

Abdomen
Adipose Tissue
Buttocks
Cheek
Chin
Cicatrix
Cosmetic Techniques
Female
Hip
Humans
Lip
Male
Methylprednisolone
Mouth Mucosa
Mucous Membrane
Nasolabial Fold
Needles
Punctures
Reconstructive Surgical Procedures
Rejuvenation
Seroma
Skin
Subcutaneous Fat
Subcutaneous Tissue
Tissue Transplantation
Transplants
Wounds and Injuries
Zygoma
Methylprednisolone