ABSTRACT
Innovations in facial rejuvenation and asymmetry correction techniques leverage the dynamic and versatile properties of adipose tissue in the process of autologous fat grafting. Fat grafting, or fat transfer, encompasses the extraction of adipocytes from one region of the body, and their subsequent processing and infiltration into another body site. There is an established evidence-base for the safety of autologous fat grafting, but as with many surgical procedures there are a variety of accepted and practiced methods, and there is scope for further research to advance our current understanding of the optimum technique. Procedures on the face should only be conducted by suitably qualified individuals with basic understanding of the underlying anatomy of both donor and recipient sites including nerves, arteries and muscles so as to protect and avoid damage to the important structures. Fat transfer for facial rejuvenation should be performed with reference to the aesthetic subunits of the face, initially proposed by Gonzales-Ulloa.
