The prospective study of fat grafting in various aesthetic procedures
Shivani Ambarish Vadodariya, Akash Chandrapratap Karan, Dhavalkumar Vikrambhai Patel, Archit Parag Parikh, Hiren Rana, Manav Parveshchander Suri, Jayesh SachdeIntroduction:
Autologous fat grafting has gained widespread acceptance as a reliable technique for soft tissue augmentation in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Its biocompatibility, regenerative potential, and versatility make it an attractive option for facial contour correction.
Material and Methods:
This prospective study was conducted on 30 patients undergoing fat grafting for facial deformities between May 2023 and January 2025. Fat was harvested using manual syringe aspiration or suction-assisted techniques and processed by centrifugation or sedimentation. The graft was injected using a microdroplet technique in multiple tissue planes. Outcomes were assessed clinically, through photographic comparison, and by patient satisfaction using a 5-point Likert scale at 3- and 6-months follow-up.
Results:
The majority of patients had post-traumatic deformities (80%), while 20% had hemifacial atrophy. The abdomen was the most common donor site (63.3%). Manual aspiration (86.6%) and centrifugation (53.3%) were the preferred techniques and showed better graft quality and retention. The average fat volume injected was 54 mL in post-traumatic cases and 96 mL in hemifacial atrophy. Most patients require a single session (93.3%). Patient satisfaction was high, with 80% reporting being very satisfied. Complications were minimal and included edema, bruising, and minor irregularities, with no major adverse events.
Conclusion:
Autologous fat grafting is a safe and effective technique for facial contour restoration, offering high patient satisfaction and minimal complications. Outcomes are influenced by technique and recipient site characteristics. With proper execution, fat grafting remains a cornerstone in modern plastic and reconstructive surgery.