Long-Term Outcome of Microautologous Fat Transplantation to Correct Temporal Depression

OBJECTIVE: Sunken temporal fossa appears oftentimes in Asians and resembles bad fortune that people wish to change. Numerous techniques and materials have been applied clinically for augmenting the sunken temporal fossa with variable results. The microautologous fat transplantation (MAFT) technique proposed by Lin et al in 2006 has demonstrated favorable results in facial rejuvenation. In the present study, the authors applied the MAFT technique with an innovative instrument in sunken temporal fossa and reported its results. METHODS: Microautologous fat transplantation was performed on 208 patients during the 4-year period starting in January 2010. Fat was harvested by liposuction, processed and refined by centrifugation at 1200 g for 3 minutes. Then purified fat was microtransplanted to the temporal fossa with the assistance of an instrument, MAFT-Gun. The patients were followed up regularly and photographs were taken for comparison. RESULTS: On average, the MAFT procedure took 48 minutes to complete. The average delivered fat was 6.8 ± 0.2 mL/6.5 ± 0.3 mL for the right/left side. The average follow-up period was 18 months. No complication including skin necrosis, vascular compromise, nodulation, fibrosis, and asymmetry was noted. The patient-rated satisfaction 5-point Likert scale demonstrated that 81.3% of all patients had favorable results (38.5% very satisfied and 42.8% satisfied). CONCLUSIONS: The concept and technique of MAFT along with the micro- and precise controlling instrument enabled surgeons to perform fat grafting accurately and consistently. In comparison with other strategies for volume restoration, the MAFT procedure demonstrated the patients’ high satisfaction with the long-term results. Therefore, the potential of MAFT as an alternative strategy in sunken temporal fossa in Asians was emphasized.