Objectives: Large-volume facial fat transfer offers effective rejuvenation but faces challenges with graft retention. This case series reviews outcomes in two patients receiving over 240 ml of fat. One-year follow-up showed sustained volume and no complications. Findings emphasise the role of fat compartmentalisation, technique refinement, and post-op care in optimising results.
Introduction: Autologous fat transfer is key in facial rejuvenation, restoring volume lost with age. ISAPS 2023 reports facial fat grafting makes up 4.7% of global plastic surgeries. Grafting is volume-based: small (<100 ml), large (100–300 ml), and mega (>300 ml). Ageing affects fat compartments unevenly, causing volume loss and imbalance. Large-volume grafting targets atrophic areas for natural correction. This study explores outcomes, fat survival, and technique refinement for lasting results.
Materials / method: Patients with facial volume loss underwent large-volume fat grafting. Pre-op prep included photos, labs, and cessation of smoking/alcohol. Fat was harvested under GA with a 10-ml syringe after tumescent infiltration, decanted, and injected across different planes ,via 1-ml syringes using 18G blunt cannulas in a radial, multi-plane pattern. Post-op care included antibiotics, facial massage, no compression, supine sleep for a week, and continued smoking/alcohol avoidance for four weeks.
Results: Two patients received large-volume facial fat grafting (257 ml and 247 ml), targeting multiple facial areas. One-year follow-up showed sustained volume, natural rejuvenation, and no complications. Radial, multi-layered injection ensured even distribution and minimised risk. Post-op photos confirmed improved contour, and both patients reported high satisfaction with long-term results
Conclusion: Large-volume facial fat transfer is effective for natural rejuvenation. Success relies on precise anatomy, careful fat handling, and multi-plane, radial injection to boost graft survival and prevent ischemia. Post-op care, including avoiding compression and lifestyle changes, supports retention. This case series shows safety, efficacy, and sustained results at one year.
Disclosures
Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
No
Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
No
Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
No
Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
No
This work was not supported by any direct or non direct funding. It is under the author's own responsability