Correction of Sunken Eyelid with Unfavorable Fold Using Autologous Fat Injection

Purpose: Sunken eyelid is a deformity of upper eyelid due to atrophy of periocular fat tissue, loss of skin elasticity. It causes the skin retraction of eyelid and unfavorable fold. Sunken eyelid occurs from the results of natural aging process, facial trauma, complication of previous periocular surgery, etc. We acquired a satisfied correction of sunken eyelid and unfavorable fold using autologous fat injection only. The aim of this study is a assessment of autologous fat injection for correction of sunken eyelid accompanied with unfavorable fold. Methods: From August 2002 to March 2006, we performed 37 cases of correction of sunken eyelid with unfavorable fold using autologous fat injection. They were all females with ages ranged from 23 to 63. Fat was harvested from lower abdomen and centrifuged with Coleman system. Multi-layered injection of purified fat was done from orbital fat layer to orbicularis oculi muscle. Results: Overall, improvement of sunken eye and unfavorable fold was observed in the majority of the patients. Discomfort of eye opening was improved in 24 patients. The average injection volume was 1.33 mL in right eyelid, 1.31 mL in left eyelid at first injection. Second injection was done in patients who absorption of injected fat was noted with. No specific complications were observed. Conclusion: Natural and attractive upper eyelid was acquired from fat injection only in sunken eyelid with unfavorable fold. To the authors' knowledge, it is desirable for sunken eyelid accompanied with unfavorable fold to be treated with autologous fat injection at first. Although some shortcomings are substantial, autologous fat injection is easy and effective method for correction of unfavorable fold in sunken eyelid without specific complication.

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