Transplantation Treatment for Glabellar Frown Lines Using Autologous Fascial Adipose Tissue

To evaluate the efficacy of autologous fascial adipose tissue transplantation for correcting glabellar frown lines during facial rejuvenation surgery.

A retrospective study (2007-2023) analyzed patients with glabellar frown lines undergoing concurrent facial rejuvenation. Fascial adipose strips harvested during rhytidectomy or upper blepharoplasty were subdermally transplanted into glabellar folds. Wrinkle severity was assessed pre- and postoperatively using a validated four-point clinical scale [1], with outcomes evaluated at 3-12 months.

Eighteen female patients (mean age 52.7 years) showed: (1) 100% improvement (≥1-point reduction) across mild, moderate, and severe wrinkle groups; (2) significant sustained correction of both dynamic and static wrinkles at 12 months; (3) absence of complications (e.g., hematoma, infection); (4) one severe case required adjuvant botulinum toxin for optimal dynamic correction; and (5) outcomes were comparable regardless of fascial tissue harvest site (facial vs. infra-brow; P>0.05).

Autologous fascial adipose tissue transplantation effectively corrects dynamic and static glabellar wrinkles. This technique leverages discarded tissue, avoids injection-related vascular risks, and serves as a safe adjunct during facial rejuvenation.

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 .