Facial Fat Grafting: The Past, Present, and Future

Clin Plast Surg. 2020 Jan;47(1):1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2019.08.004. Epub 2019 Oct 21.

Abstract

Fat grafting has evolved over the past two centuries and has revolutionized regenerative medicine, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Fat grafting provides a safe and minimally invasive technique to improve signs of aging, sun damage, and congenital and acquired craniofacial deformities. The Coleman technique for harvesting, processing, and grafting provides a reliable strategy for consistent results. However, unanswered questions remain regarding the biology of fat grafting, survival mechanisms, and regenerative properties. The future of fat grafting is bright and includes cell-based therapy and extracellular matrix-based scaffolds. This article provides an overview of the past, present, and future of facial fat grafting.

Keywords: Facial; Fat grafting; Lipoaspirate; Lipofilling; Lipostructure; Reconstruction; Regenerative; Trauma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / transplantation*
  • Adult
  • Esthetics
  • Face / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures*
  • Regenerative Medicine