Low Negative Pressure Combined With Supertumescence Microliposuction as a New Method for Repairing Facial Fat Overfilling: A Case Series of 32 Patients

Abstract

Abstract Background Face fat overfilling sometimes occurs and is unfortunately very difficult to repair. Objectives The aim of this study was to report initial experience of microliposuction with low negative pressure combined with supertumescence (LNPST) in a case series of 32 patients. Methods The LNPST microliposuction was performed in 32 patients aged 22 to 41 years (mean [standard deviation] age, 29.6 [4.9] years) with facial overfilling. Discomfort and bleeding were monitored intraoperatively by 2 independent plastic surgeons, who used a grading system to record the results. All patients were followed-up for hematoma within 1 week postoperatively and for skin numbness and muscle paralysis at 1 week and 3 months postoperatively. In addition, at 6 months postoperatively, patient satisfaction with the postoperative aesthetic effects was analyzed by FACE-Q questionnaire. Results All patients successfully completed the operation under local anesthesia. The mean intraoperative discomfort and blood-loss scores were 1.69 [0.62] and 1.22 [0.41], respectively. The hematoma score was 1.13 [0.34] within 1 week. Other scores included postoperative skin numbness (1 week, 1.96 [0.62]; 3 months, 1.13 [0.33]) and postoperative muscle paralysis (1 week, 1.22 [0.51]; 3 months, 1.0 [0]). Overall, neither skin necrosis nor serious complications requiring revision surgery occurred. Seventy-two percent of the patients (n = 23) answered the FACE-Q questionnaire and the score was 21.8 (1.7), covering satisfaction with the outcome score into a standard score (81.7 [15.1], from 0 to 100), which verified the high satisfaction rate. Conclusions LNPST technology is a safe and effective method for repair of facial fat overfilling, with less bleeding, less nerve injury, fewer complications, and high patient satisfaction. Level of Evidence: 4