Overview
The author cites references on fat grafting dating back to 1893 and revisits the method, using small free grafts of the patient's own fat, each about the size of a pearl. The report lists the conditions treated and the steps taken to help the fat survive. It gives no patient numbers or measured results in the abstract.
Findings
- Free autogenous fat grafts of 4 to 6 mm (pearl size) were used.
- Uses listed: pitting acne, nasolabial folds, eyelid depressions, facial atrophy, facial wrinkles, depressed scars and chin augmentation.
- Measures to support fat survival: vitamin E, insulin treatment, small graft size, and gentle antiseptic technique. The author calls these theoretical measures.
- Supporting clinical, historical and laboratory references are cited back to 1893.
- The author notes that large amounts of fat are discarded during blepharoplasty, liposuction, lipectomy and platysma neck lift.
- The author proposes that fat be reconsidered as the soft tissue substitute.
- The author states this is a preliminary report and further study is needed.
What it means for a patient
- Your own fat can be used to fill hollows, folds and scars in the face.
- Fat removed during other procedures, such as a neck lift or eyelid surgery, is a possible source.
- The steps the author used to help the fat survive were theoretical, not tested in this report.
- This is an early report without numbers on how much fat survived or how long results lasted.
Why this paper matters
It presented a rediscovered method of small free fat grafts for facial soft tissue correction and proposed fat as the soft tissue substitute. The author called for further study. Cited 184 times (NIH iCite, 2026-09-25).
Terms
- Free fat graft: a piece of fat moved without its own blood supply.
- Autogenous: taken from the patient's own body.
- Nasolabial fold: the crease from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth.
- Facial atrophy: thinning or loss of facial soft tissue.
- Lipectomy: surgical removal of fat.
- Donor fat: fat taken from one area to be moved to another.
- Atraumatic technique: handling tissue gently to avoid damage.