Refinement of rhinoplasty with lipoinjection

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Dorsal irregularities are common aesthetic defects post-rhinoplasty, especially in patients with thin nasal skin.
• Autologous fat (adipose tissue) transplantation is a recognized method for soft tissue augmentation and has potential regenerative benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a straightforward technique using microfat grafts (lipoinjection) to refine the nasal dorsum in rhinoplasty.
• To evaluate the efficacy of this procedure in preventing irregularities and improving skin quality.

Main Methods:

• Open rhinoplasty was performed on all patients.
• 3-5 ml of autologous fat was aspirated, separated by sedimentation, and 2-3 ml injected over the osseocartilaginous framework in the subcutaneous space.
• Fat was injected after incision closure and before splint application to camouflage imperfections.

Main Results:

• 78 rhinoplasties involving autologous fat injection were performed between 2003 and 2005.
• No minor irregularities were observed in any of the 78 patients (61 primary, 17 secondary) over a 1-36 month follow-up.
• All patients experienced improved skin appearance and quality.

Conclusions:

• Fat injection is a fast, easy, and inexpensive refinement for rhinoplasty.
• This technique effectively creates regular, smooth, and durable contours on the nasal dorsum.