Autologous Dermal Fat Implantation
Autologous dermal fat (cutaneous fascia) youthline surgery is most superior in terms of biocompatibility. The texture is soft as and similar to the human skin, and no complications such as foreign body reaction or infection occur. Generally, other body parts with relatively thick skin (such as the groin, gluteal fold, or inferior gluteal line) are regarded as the source of dermal fat grafts. Dr. Chuang takes out the complete dermal layer with partial subcutaneous fat from these sites and sculpts them into two symmetric and appropriate strips, which are emplaced into the detached subcutaneous path via incisions at the lower eyelid, and then fixates them at both ends to complete the entire surgery. The donor site is given a simple stitching, and attention should be paid to postoperative care in case of scarring.
Surgical conditions
Duration
- Type of anesthesia: IV sedation + local anesthesia
- Surgical incision: An aApproximately 0.4-cm incision at the inner and outer corners of the lower eyelid
Gluteal fold or inferior gluteal line (donor site) - Recovery: 5–7 days
- Removal of stitches: 7–10 days
General instructions
No food and water on the day of surgery
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and irritating foods for 1 month postoperatively.
- Avoid staying up late for 3 months postoperatively, and ensure better scar care
Ideal candidates
- Patients who have no youthlines at birth
- Those who pursue natural results close to congenital youthlines
- Those who expect distinct changes of youthlines
- Those who require prolonged long lasting and stable results.
- Those who are not fit for the injection of hyaluronic acids
- Those with concurrent eye socket depression that needs to reinforce support of to the lower eyelid
- Those who wish to correct the excess white eyeballs exposed to the lower eyelid or mild lower eyelid ectropion
Potential complications
- Temporary epiphora
- Scar hyperplasia (at the donor site)
- Excess or incomplete correction
- Self-absorption of dermal fats
Surgical advantages
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The autologous fascia absorption rate is extremely low (approximately only 10–15%), and the surgical results are persistent and stable.
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There is no risk of foreign body reaction or infection.
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The tTexture is natural and soft, almost the same as congenital skin.
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The rResults are either obvious or natural, and there is no limitation on skin thickness.
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The youthline is customized in light of patient’s requirements or maximally enlarged.
Surgical drawbacks
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The pProcedures are relatively complex and time consuming.
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The sSite for the collection of dermal fat may develop scars.
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It is difficult to modify or remove the autologous youthline graft in the future.
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It is more difficult to adjust the bilateral symmetry or size.
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There may be differences in results due to self-absorption.