Tear Trough Ligament Release and Autologous Fat Injection as a New Method for Tear Trough Deformity Correction.

BACKGROUND

Even though the tear trough (TT) deformity is only 2 cm in length, it can give a worn, even haggard appearance on the face. The authors developed a novel approach and presented findings from the clinical effect.

METHODS

Between February 2018 and January 2021, the medical records of patients treated with autologous fat injection for TT deformity were researched. The fat was placed under the orbicularis oculi muscle with a sharp cannula. During that period, the TT ligament was also released with the cannula. After the fat was injected entirely, we still needed to repeatedly puncture this ligament to release it until there was no puncture resistance. Improvement was evaluated by measuring patients' and investigators' global aesthetic improvement scale.

RESULTS

152 of 173 patients completed the follow-up plan and were enrolled in this study. The most common complications reported were temporary swelling and lumpiness. At 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months, the satisfaction rate of patient self-assessment was 93.4%, 89.5%, 86.8%, 84.3%, and 82.4%, respectively. The Investigator Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale showed 94.1% of patients' improvement after one month, 83.6% after three months, 78.3% after six months, 75% after 12 months, and 71.8% after 24 months.

CONCLUSION

Fat injection based on TT ligament release to correct TT deformity is a novel, easy and effective treatment that deserves to be further used.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

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