Microautologous Fat Transplantation for Primary Augmentation Rhinoplasty: Long-Term Monitoring of 198 Asian Patients

BACKGROUND Numerous techniques and materials are available for increasing the dorsal height and length of the nose. Microautologous fat transplantation (MAFT) may be an appropriate strategy for augmentation rhinoplasty. OBJECTIVES The authors sought to determine the long-term results of MAFT with the so-called one-third maneuver in Asian patients who underwent augmentation rhinoplasty. METHODS A total of 198 patients who underwent primary augmentation rhinoplasty with MAFT were evaluated in a retrospective study. Fat was harvested by liposuction and was processed and refined by centrifugation. Minute parcels of purified fat were transplanted to the nasal dorsum with a MAFT-Gun. Patient satisfaction was scored with a 5-point Likert scale, and aesthetic outcomes were validated with pre- and postoperative photographs. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 45.5 years. The mean operating time for MAFT was 25 minutes, and patients underwent 1-3 MAFT sessions. The mean volume of fat delivered per session was 3.4 mL (range, 2.0-5.5 mL). Patients received follow-up for an average of 19 months (range, 6-42 months). Overall, 125 of 198 patients (63.1%) indicated that they were satisfied with the results of 1-3 sessions of MAFT. There were no major complications. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study support MAFT as an appropriate fat-transfer strategy for Asian patients undergoing primary augmentation rhinoplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4: Therapeutic.