Applications of the classic dermal fat graft in primary and secondary facial rejuvenation

Volumetric facial aging occurs primarily as a descent of facial soft tissues, followed by their secondary atrophy. Proper volumetric facial rejuvenation, therefore, demands effective superior redistribution of fallen soft tissues, for which the author prefers malar imbrication. Only then do augmentative adjustments become appropriate, including solid facial protheses, "soft-tissue" fillers, dermal fat grafts, free-fat micrografts, and Erol's "tissue-cocktail." Of these, the author prefers the time-honored dermal fat graft for all primary volumetric augmentations within the surgical field, reserving free-fat micrografts for adjustments outside the field and those performed secondarily. Dermal fat grafts are added to the face in three categories: "camouflage" grafts from the anterior face lift discard specimen to correct contour irregularities in the sculpted subcutaneous cheek in half of patients; "transition" grafts from the suprapubic abdomen to the zone between the midface and lower face in 5 percent of patients with an emaciated quality to their aging; and "secondary" grafts from the abdomen in occasional patients with volumetric deformities following inexpert face lift and other forms of trauma. All grafts were harvested, prepared, and placed according to 10 straightforward technical principles. The grafts were highly effective and predictable in their ability to augment contour; none of 283 total grafts were regarded as a treatment failure. The use of such grafts was extremely safe, with complications limited to cyst formation in 1.5 percent of grafts, all of which were treated nonoperatively. The use of the dermal fat graft is seen as safe, effective, and convenient when the subcutaneous plane of the face is exposed during facial rejuvenation. The majority of grafts were derived from the face lift discard specimen. Although those that came from outside the head and neck presented extra inconvenience and operative time, their use was limited to occasional and challenging circumstances that justified extra investment.