Applied anatomical study of autologous fat injection in forehead area

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study was to observe the anatomical features in the area of forehead and further to discuss precautions of forehead autologous fat injection. Methods A total of 12 fresh adult cadaveric specimens (6 males and 6 females, 47.5±11.7 years old) were studied during January 2018 to December 2018. Combined with routine anatomy and microanatomy, forehead tissues were dissected to observe important structures and their surroundings. The important blood vessels and tissues thickness were measured by electronic vernier caliper. Results The forehead is composed of skin, subcutaneous adipose tissue, superficial musculoaponeurotic system(SMAS), loose connective tissue and periosteum. There are three superficial fat compartments. The width and length of superficial central forehead compartments is(2.17±0.27) cm and(4.16±0.38) cm. The width and length of left superficial lateral forehead compartments is(2.09±0.31) cm and(3.65±0.39) cm and right superficial lateral forehead compartments is(2.14±0.29) cm and(3.18±0.55) cm. The three deep fat compartments shape is similar to superficial fat compartments. It is an avascular layer.Retro-orbicularis oculi fat lies deep to the supraorbital area with the thickness is (2.58±0.03) mm and the length is (2.55±0.05) mm. The blood supply of forehead is provided by the supratrochlear artery, the superaorbital artery and the superficial temporal artery with internal diameters of (1.01±0.16) mm, (0.85±0.12) mm and (1.35±0.15) mm, respectively. Conclusions Forehead autologous fat transfer should be injected into the avascular forehead deep fat compartments. Avoiding injected into superficial fat compartments to avoid unnatural mask face. Because there are potential channels in the superficial central fat compartments and the area of the upper eyelid, it should be avoided to form periorbital migratory fat granuloma caused by postoperative acupressure. Key words: Forehead; Anatomy; Transplantation, autologous; Adipose tissue; Injections