Clinical outcomes of patients with prominent nasolabial folds corrected by the technique: Dermo-fascial detachment and fat grafting

Summary Background Prominent nasolabial folds (NLFs) due to ageing are a major aesthetic concern among Asian women. The main causes are drooping of the cheek mass, depressions (folds) and dermal attachments. We have conducted a study to analyse the long-term outcomes of the conventional dermo-fascial detachment and fat grafting technique. Methods A total of 209 patients with NLFs of different severity were included in the study. Dermo-fascial detachment was used to completely dissect the attachments; then, the space was filled with fat grafts. The outcomes and related factors were analysed statistically based on the classification of NLF grades. Results The average operating time was 28.4 min, and no postoperative infections were found. A high improvement ratio was noted: at the 3-month, 1-year and 2-year follow-up consultations; the improvement ratio was about 100%, 97.4 ± 2.6% and 66.7 ± 9.2%, respectively. At the 2-year follow-up, the improvement ratio of the severe grade group (71.4 ± 10.1%) remained higher than that of the mild grade group (50.0 ± 22.3%). Six cases relapsed to the original grade (15.4%), and two cases were worse after 2 years (5.1%). No statistical correlation between age and the grade of the condition was determined ( p = 0.746). Total filling amounts with fat grafts made no statistical difference to the outcomes of the long-lasting group (1.93 ± 0.26 cc) and the non-long-lasting group (1.84 ± 0.19 cc) ( p = 0.435). Conclusion Dermo-fascial detachment and fat grafting is a safe and reliable technique for the correction of prominent NLFs with high improvement ratios, minimal morbidities and long-lasting outcomes.