Technical Precision with Autologous Fat Grafting for Facial Rejuvenation: A Review of the Evolving Science.

SUMMARY: The scientific study of facial aging has transformed modern facial rejuvenation. As people age, fat loss in specific fat compartments is a major contributor to structural aging of the face. Autologous fat grafting is safe, abundant, readily available, and completely biocompatible, which makes it the preferred soft-tissue filler in the correction of facial atrophy. The addition of volume through fat grafting gives an aging face a more youthful, healthy, and aesthetic appearance. Harvesting and preparation with different cannula sizes and filter-cartridge techniques have allowed for fat grafts to be divided based on parcel size and cell type into three major subtypes: macrofat, microfat, and nanofat. Macrofat and microfat have the benefit of providing volume to restore areas of facial deflation and atrophy in addition to improving skin quality; nanofat has been shown to improve skin texture and pigmentation. In this article, the authors discuss the current opinions regarding fat grafting and how the evolving science of fat grafting has led to the clinical utility of each type of fat to optimize facial rejuvenation. The opportunity exists to individualize the use of autologous fat grafting with the various subtypes of fat for the targeted correction of aging in different anatomic areas of the face. Fat grafting has become a powerful tool that has revolutionized facial rejuvenation, and developing precise, individualized plans for autologous fat grafting for each patient is an important advancement in the evolution of facial rejuvenation.

AIRMESS - Academy of International Regenerative Medicine & Surgery Societies: recommendations in the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), autologous stem cell-based therapy (ASC-BT) in androgenetic alopecia and wound healing.

INTRODUCTION: Many investigations showed that platelet-rich plasma (PRP), human follicles stem cells (HFSCs), and adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), considered autologous stem cell-based therapy (ASC-BT), are effective for hair regrowth (HR) in patients affected by androgenetic alopecia and for wound healing (WH). The aim of this article is to analyze the in vitro and in vivo impact of different PRP, HFSCs, and ASCs preparation methods on HR and in WH. AREAS COVERED: The analyzed data intended to clarify the molecular mechanism in which PRP, HFSCs, and ASCs are involved, the clinical use and related indications, fully respecting the European rules. Comparative studies between different systems of PRP, HFSCs, and ASCs preparation revealed differences in terms of HR and WH. EXPERT OPINION: Despite a lack of standardized protocols, there is convincing evidence with objective measurement modalities that display positive outcomes of ASC-BT in HR and WH.

A Systematic Review on Extracellular Vesicles-Enriched Fat Grafting: A Shifting Paradigm.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence confirms that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) facilitate angiogenesis mainly through paracrine function. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are regarded as key components of the cell secretome, possessing functional properties of their source cells. Subsequently, MSC-EVs have emerged as a novel cell-free approach to improve fat graft retention rate. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to provide a systematic review of all studies reporting the utilization of MSC-EVs to improve graft retention rate. METHODS: A systematic search was undertaken employing the Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Outcome measures included donor/receptor organism of the fat graft, study model, intervention groups, evaluation intervals, EV research data, and in vitro and in vivo results. RESULTS: Of the total 1717 articles, 62 full texts were screened. Seven studies reporting on 294 mice were included. Overall, EV-treated groups showed higher graft retention rates compared with untreated groups. Notably, retention rate was similar following EV and MSC treatment. In addition to reduced inflammation, graft enrichment with EVs resulted in early revascularization and better graft integrity. Interestingly, hypoxic preconditioning of MSCs improved their beneficial paracrine effects and led to a more proangiogenic EV population, as observed by both in vitro and in vivo results. CONCLUSIONS: MSC-EVs appear to offer an interesting cell-free alternative to improve fat graft survival. Although their clinical relevance remains to be determined, it is clear that not the cells but rather their secretome is essential for graft survival. Thus, a paradigm shift from cell-assisted lipotransfer towards "secretome-assisted lipotransfer" is well on its way.

Expanding Clinical Indications of Mechanically Isolated Stromal Vascular Fraction: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Mechanically isolated stromal vascular fraction (tSVF, tissue SVF) is a potent regenerative solution, increasingly used as a therapeutic modality for a variety of pathologies. With recent evidence conclusively favoring mechanical isolation over enzymatic alternatives, the therapeutic share and indications of tSVF are expected to grow even further. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to provide a systematic review of all studies reporting on the use of tSVF. METHODS: A systematic search was undertaken of the Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Outcome measures included clinical indications, such as recipient area, adverse events, clinical results recipient area, method of application, follow-up duration and evaluation methods. RESULTS: Of the total of 4505 articles identified, 186 full-texts were screened. Thirty-four studies, reporting on 1443 patients were included. tSVF-based therapy was observed for 10 different pathologies, including aged skin (8 studies), scars (5), wounds (6), osteoarthritis (6), tendinopathy (2), temporomandibular joint disorders (1), androgenic alopecia (1), perianal fistula (3), migraine (1), and vocal fold scarring (1). Across all studies, tSVF-based therapy resulted in favorable clinical results. Overall, 50 (3.43%) minor and one (0.07%) major adverse events were observed, mainly related to the liposuction procedure. CONCLUSIONS: tSVF offers a safe, easy and legal treatment modality for a range of indications. Future research is indicated to identify the optimal isolation protocol, dose and timing. In addition, basic research remains crucial to identify the mechanism of action of SVF within different pathologies.

Rhinoplasty Combined With Centrofacial Lipofilling to Optimize Facial Proportions.

BACKGROUND: The perceived appearance of the nose is influenced by its foundations (ie, malar areas, lip, and chin). The association of nasal hump and centrofacial volume deficiency is not uncommon. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated and analyzed the role of centrofacial lipofilling simultaneously to rhinoplasty to sculpt facial proportions and shapes all in one procedure. METHODS: Volumes and placement of fat graft were determined preoperatively. Centrofacial microfat grafting was performed concomitantly to the rhinoplasty. Treated areas were malar, upper lip, pyriform aperture, and chin. RESULTS: From January 2016 to January 2019, concurrent lipofilling was performed in 23 rhinoplasties. Fat graft volumes ranged from 2 to 31 mL. CONCLUSIONS: Centrofacial lipofilling is a simple and effective tool that can easily be associated with rhinoplasty techniques to optimize the results and may even influence the procedure towards a more conservative approach.

Fat Grafting for Facial Rejuvenation with Nanofat Grafts.

Reversing structural changes in aging skin gained potential after the therapeutic use of adipose-derived stem cells was described. Nanofat is a highly concentrated solution of progenitor cells without viable adipocytes. Nanofat grafting creates striking skin quality improvement. The availability of adipose-tissue combined with straightforward mechanical protocol to process fat brings regenerative and antiaging medicine into real-life clinical practice. Association with other cofactors (hyaluronic acid, botulin toxin, and vitamin C) and therapies (microneedling and drug delivery) provides better outcomes. This article describes the techniques and the authors' experiences in nanofat grafting, and its potential new applications in regenerative medicine.

Nanofat Needling: A Novel Method for Uniform Delivery of Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction into the Skin.

A novel method for delivering nanofat into the skin is presented. The principle is based on documented experience with introduction of agents into the skin by means of microneedling.

Aging of the Upper Lip: Part II. Evidence-Based Rejuvenation of the Upper Lip-A Review of 500 Consecutive Cases.

BACKGROUND: Findings from photometric analysis of soft tissue on cranial magnetic resonance imaging demonstrate that the aging upper lip shows significant lengthening, thinning, volume loss, and deepening of the nasolabial folds. In this study, these findings are implemented in a review of 500 cases of upper lip rejuvenation to propose an evidence-based strategy for surgical rejuvenation of the upper lip. METHODS: The charts of 500 consecutive surgical perioral rejuvenation patients treated by the senior authors (P.L.T. and A.M.V.) from 2014 until 2018 were reviewed. The surgical methods of lip lift and fat grafting were described in relation to the cases and the metric data. RESULTS: Of the 500 patients, 51 had an isolated procedure such as a lip lift (3 percent), lip augmentation (3 percent), augmentation of the nasolabial folds (2 percent), or skin resurfacing (2 percent). The remaining 449 patients underwent combinations of lip lift, augmentation of the lip and nasolabial fold (32 percent), lip lift with augmentation of the lip and nasolabial fold with resurfacing (30 percent), lip augmentation and resurfacing (14 percent), or lip lift and resurfacing (14 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Rejuvenating the upper lip needs to address both lengthening and volume loss. This requires a combination of surgical shortening of the upper lip by a precisely designed lip lift and a differential filling of certain upper lip regions by microfat grafting. The combination of these two modalities works synergistically. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Aging of the Upper Lip: Part I: A Retrospective Analysis of Metric Changes in Soft Tissue on Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

BACKGROUND: In scientific literature, numerous theories on the mechanism of facial aging can be found. The debate about facial sagging versus deflation is still ongoing. In this study, the metric changes in perioral soft tissue were demonstrated. These data can contribute to a better understanding of physical changes in the aging perioral area. METHODS: Upper lip measurements were performed on cranial magnetic resonance images of 200 Caucasian subjects (100 men and 100 women). The study population was aged between 20 to 30 and 65 to 80 years. The upper lip length and soft-tissue thickness were measured on sagittal and parasagittal section. Cross-section surface area of the upper lip was measured in the sagittal section to represent volume. The data were analyzed with a t test and results were considered significant at p < 0.01. RESULTS: The upper lip in the old age group differed significantly in length (19.24 percent in women and 18.24 percent in men), thickness (up to -40.55 percent in women and -32.74 percent in men), and volume (-20.89 percent in women and -17.40 percent in men). Soft-tissue thickness at the alar nasolabial fold was significantly thinner in the old age group (-25 percent in women and -25.7 percent in men) and showed significantly greater tissue loss than elsewhere in the upper lip (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the aging perioral area is affected with a combination of soft-tissue lengthening, thinning, and volume loss. The clinical implications of this study on perioral rejuvenating strategies will be explained in part II.

The Role of Microfat Grafting in Facial Contouring.

BACKGROUND: Congenital hypoplasia of facial bones has traditionally been treated by orthognathic surgery. However, the inherent invasiveness of orthognathic surgery often leads to a high complication rate. Facial fat grafting could be a less invasive method to correct facial deformities. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of microfat grafting for facial contouring. METHODS: This retrospective chart review evaluated 166 patients who were treated with microfat grafting for maxillary and/or mandibular hypoplasia. Pretreatment and posttreatment photographs were compared regarding improvement of facial contour, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: The follow-up period ranged from 4 months to 10 years (mean, 2 years 7 months). Thirty-eight percent of the patients had a refill procedure 6 or more months after the first procedure. A majority of the evaluated patients stated that they benefited from the microfat grafting, with ratings of excellent (50%), sufficient (48%), and poor (2%). Complications included visible fat lobules under the lower eyelid skin (7%), which was seen during the first 4 years and was resolved by changing the injection cannulae and technique, and fat resorption, which was seen in all patients, with a clinical range from ±15% in the immobile malar area and chin region to ±50% in the mobile lip area. CONCLUSIONS: Facial microfat grafting is a valuable alternative to more complicated advancement osetotomies being performed in patients solely for aesthetic reasons. The low morbidity and rapid recovery make facial microfat grafting a welcome tool in the armamentarium of the modern facial aesthetic surgeon.

Long-term use of the Fogli temporal lift technique.

BACKGROUND: The temporal lift by galeapexy is a short-scar lifting of the lateral third of the eyebrow and temporal region described in 2003 by Alain Fogli. The senior authors (A.M.V., P.L.T.) have been early adopters of this technique, albeit with some modifications. METHODS: The technique was used in 923 cases, of which 20 percent were performed as an isolated procedure and 80 percent were performed in combination with a minimal access cranial suspension lift. RESULTS: Over 8 years of experience has proven the technique to have good reliability, and to be predictable and safe. Patients with follow-up of 5 years or more were reviewed, and showed a marked improvement of both lateral hooding and eyebrow position in more than 90 percent of cases, with a relapse rate of less than 10 percent after 5 years. The complication rate was below 5 percent. CONCLUSION: Both surgeon satisfaction and patient satisfaction with this technique are high.