Ultrasound to Improve the Anatomic Approach to the Temple and a Retrospective Study on the Efficacy of Large-Volume Autologous Fat Grafting.

Abstract

Autologous fat grafting (AFG) has been used widely in temporal-hollowing augmentation, but its efficacy and safety are unclear. The authors examined the use of Doppler ultrasound (DUS) in large-volume lipofilling after performing an anatomic study of the temporal region. To clarify safe and stable levels of AFG of the temporal fat compartments, 5 cadaveric heads (10 sides) were dissected after dye was injected into targeted fat pads with DUS guidance. In addition, the authors retrospectively analyzed 100 patients with temporal fat transplantation, including groups with conventional AFG ( n = 50) and DUS-guided large-volume AFG ( n = 50). The anatomic study revealed the approach of 5 injection planes and 2 fat compartments in the temporal region: the superficial and deep temporal fat pads. In the AFG study, all patients were female, and there were no statistically significant differences between the groups in age, body mass index, tobacco or steroid use, or previous filling history. Between the conventional AFG group and the DUS-guided large-volume AFG group, the average volume of temporal lipofilling per side was 10.55 ± 2.25 versus 22.32 ± 5.19 mL/side ( P < 0.001), surgeon Likert scale score was 2.86 ± 0.97 versus 4.24 ± 0.66 ( P < 0.001), and rate of satisfaction was 74% versus 92% ( P < 0.05) (statistically significant differences). The anatomic approach to the main temporal fat compartment is feasible. DUS-guided large-volume AFG is an effective and safe way to improve temporal hollowing augmentation.