Long-term results of autologous periorbital lipotransfer

To evaluate the long-term aesthetic results in patients treated with autologous periorbital lipotransfer.

A retrospective review of 114 consecutive patients during 4 years who underwent autologous periorbital lipotransfer. Of these patients, 99 were identified who had complete photographic and medical records and were therefore included in the study. Patients were placed into 5 groups based on their total length of postoperative follow-up. Periorbital volume augmentation was assessed by 3 independent masked evaluators using a standard aesthetic scale from 0 to 2 (with 0 indicating no improvement; 1, mild improvement; and 2, marked improvement). Interobserver correlation was determined by κ correlation, and Mann-Whitney tests were used to assess for statistical significance comparing the same patients in each group.

Scores from the 3 independent evaluators correlated well (κ = 0.316); aesthetic improvement was seen in almost all patients (86.4%), who had demonstrated improvement for the first 3 years of follow-up. The degree of improvement decreased each year, and only mild improvement was retained in most patients (68.2%) by the 3-year follow-up point (P = .049).

Results from most patients who underwent autologous periorbital lipotransfer demonstrated improvement that lasted as long as 3 years. Autologous periorbital lipotransfer remains a valid and effective technique for periorbital rejuvenation and demonstrates long-term potential effectiveness.