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Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Published in: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2/2021

01-04-2021 | Fat Grafting | Review

Volume Retention After Facial Fat Grafting and Relevant Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Authors: Qianwen Lv, Xin Li, Yue Qi, Yunpeng Gu, Zhenjun Liu, Gui-e Ma

Published in: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery | Issue 2/2021

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Abstract

Background

Autologous fat grafting is common in facial reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries; the most important drawbacks are the high absorption rate and unpredictable volume retention rate. Surgeons usually make clinical judgements based on their own experience. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically and quantitatively review the volume retention rate of facial autologous fat grafting and analyse the relevant influencing factors.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed using the Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases in October 2019 for articles that reported objectively measured volume retention rates of facial fat grafting. Patient characteristics, fat graft volumetric data, and complications were collected. A meta-analysis using a random-effects model was conducted to pool the estimated fat retention rate. Relevant factors were analysed and reviewed on the basis of subgroups.

Results

We included 27 studies involving 1011 patients with facial fat grafting. The volume retention rate varied from 26 to 83%, with a mean follow-up of 3–24 months. The overall pooled retention rate was 47% (95% CI 41–53%). The volume measurement method significantly influenced the reported retention rate. A trend towards better retention was found for secondary fat grafting procedures and patients with congenital deformities. Only 2.8% of all patients had complications.

Conclusion

The exact percentage of facial fat grafts retained is currently unpredictable; the reported rate varies with different estimation methods. This review analysed studies that provided objectively measured volume retention rates, the pooled average percentage of facial fat graft retention (47%, 95% CI 41–53%), and relevant factors.

Level of Evidence III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.​springer.​com/​00266.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Volume Retention After Facial Fat Grafting and Relevant Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors
Qianwen Lv
Xin Li
Yue Qi
Yunpeng Gu
Zhenjun Liu
Gui-e Ma
Publication date
01-04-2021
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery / Issue 2/2021
Print ISSN: 0364-216X
Electronic ISSN: 1432-5241
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-020-01612-6

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