Skin Rejuvenation and Volume Enhancement with the Micro Superficial Enhanced Fluid Fat Injection (M-SEFFI) for Skin Aging of the Periocular and Perioral Regions.

BACKGROUND: Adipose-derived stromal and stem cells (ADSC) in autologous fat promises regenerative advantages, and injected into the dermal and subdermal layers, enhances rejuvenation and volume. However, extremely superficial fat injection with current techniques is limited.

OBJECTIVES: Efficacy and viability evaluation of fat harvested with extremely small side port (0.3 mm) cannulae without further tissue manipulation for the correction of aging/thin skin in the periocular and perioral regions.

METHODS: Micro-superficial enhanced fluid fat injection (M-SEFFI) harvests adipose tissue with a multi-perforated cannula (0.3 mm), and autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) is added. The tissue is injected into the dermal region of the periocular and perioral zones. Efficacy and viability were evaluated by histological and cell culture analysis. Clinical assessment included retrospective evaluation according to 1 = no effect, 2 = fair effect, 3 = good effect, 4 = excellent effect.

RESULTS: Between June 2014 and July 2015, 65 patients (7 men; mean age 49.7 years) were treated with M-SEFFI. No intraoperative complications or visible lumpiness were recorded. Analysis demonstrated mature, viable adipocytes with a strong stromal component. Following PRP addition, there was a greater proliferation noted in the M-SEFFI compared to the SEFFI (0.5 mm). Mean follow-up was 4.1 months. Clinical assessment by surgeons and patients at 1 month was 3.52 and 3.74, and 6 months 3.06 and 2.6 respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: M-SEFFI is effective and viable for lump free skin rejuvenation and volume enhancement, through the extraction of smoother ADSC rich, autologous fat tissue that does not require further tissue manipulation, to correct skin aging.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Therapeutic.