Temple Volumization With Autologous Fat: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: Facial aging leads to cosmetically unappealing temporal volume loss.

Objective: To systematically review the literature regarding temporal volumization with autologous fat.

Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane databases were queried with relevant terms for all articles describing temporal volumization with autologous fat. Studies unrelated to temporal volumization, using synthetic fillers, without novel clinical/patient data, or unavailable in English were excluded, as were published abstracts of already included studies or with insufficient detail. Included article reference lists were also reviewed.

Results: Database query yielded 1,224 unique articles. After screening, evaluation for duplicates and inclusion/exclusion criteria, and reference review, 45 articles with 1,239 patients were included and analyzed. Significant improvements in subcutaneous fat thickness/augmentation and investigator-/subject-graded efficacy criteria were reported, with a mean volume retention rate of 42.11% ± 11.50% (32.6%-65.7%) at 12 months. Ecchymosis (43.68%, 114/261) was the most common posttreatment adverse event. No infections, nerve dysfunction, or fat necrosis were described. Two cases of cutaneous necrosis/scarring and 22 cases of embolic serious adverse events leading to ocular injury, neurologic impairment, and/or death were reviewed.

Conclusion: Temporal volume loss can be effectively improved with autologous fat. Although predominantly a safe procedure, rare yet serious adverse events due to distal embolization have been reported.