Forehead augmentation can be done using a variety of materials and methods. It is probably most popular worldwide in Asians who often have a flatter and less convex forehead shape. While the use of synthetic materials is the most effective and assured forehead augmentation method, m both in terms of shape and longevity, it is an invasive procedure that requires some form of a scalp incision to have the forehead implant material placed.
Given the success of injectable fat grafting for facial voluminization, whether it could work as well in the forehead remains an intriguing consideration as another option for forehead augmentation in select patients.
In the March 20178 issue of the International Journal of Plastic Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery a paper was published entitled ‘Micro-autologous Fat Transplantation (MAFT) for Forehead Volumizing and Contouring’. In this paper The authors report on 178 patients (167 female, 11 male) over a 5-year period with an average nearly three year followup. Using harvested fat that was prepared by centrifugation, the forehead was augmented by an injection gun device. The procedure took under one hour to complete and averaged around 10ccs of injected fat. Not complications occurred such as infection, irregularities or nerve injuries occurred, The authors reported that over 80% of the patients were satisfied with their results.
The proper title for this paper should have been Small Volume Forehead Augmentation by Injected Fat. With an average injection volume of just 10ccs of fat placed the amount of forehead augmentation obtained was very modest and in the central forehead location. In my forehead augmentation experience such a small amount of forehead augmentation would satisfy few patients even with an uncomplicated outcome.
But for those patients that seek very modest forehead augmentative changes, fat injection is a good technique as it avoids any scar from incisional access and has no significant risks. Like all fat injections, the survival and persistence of the fat transplants are not assured. But low volume micro fat grafts in the facial area has a known high rate of retention and the forehead should be no exception..
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana