<< Back to the abstract archive
Treatment of Smoker's Lines Using String Fat Grafts
Bahman Guyuron MD, Ji Son MD
University Hospitals Case Medical Center
2016-02-01
Presenter: Ji Son MD
Affidavit:
Hooman Soltanian MD
Director Name: Hooman Soltanian MD
Author Category: Resident Plastic Surgery
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: Aesthetics
Contour augmentation and filling depressions with autologous tissue and heterogeneous materials are widely used for facial rejuvenation. In the perioral region, fat injection may be beneficial for correcting perioral rhytids, also known as smoker's lines. However, its limited longevity and irregular surface contours have restricted its use in these mobile areas. We describe an innovative yet simple technique to address perioral rhytids.
Elimination of smoker's lines requires a concomitant lipectomy due to the need for suitable fat graft. Fatty tissue harvested from lipectomy is shaped into thin strings using 15 blade or scissors. Thin strings are 1-3 mm longer than the length of perioral rhytids. Tunnels are made in the subcutaneous layer along each perioral rhytids using an 18 gage needle. The string fat is inserted into the subcutaneous tunnel, filling smoker's lines.
Insertion of the string fat grafts is performed easily and leaves the recipient with a small opening the size of an 18-gage needle. Using strings of fat minimizes over-injection. Postoperative recovery is uncomplicated, and results of this procedure are encouraging. However, this procedure is applicable only to those patients undergoing lipectomy. This procedure is not suitable for patients undergoing liposuction, as harvesting fat graft using the standard liposuction technique would break fat graft into droplets and may not provide the smooth contour regularity string fat grafts can provide.
Using string fat grafts is an innovative method to address perioral rhytids. The results of this procedure are encouraging peri-operatively and in long term follow up.
