Autologous Fat Transfer as a Tool for Cosmetic and Reconstructive Purposes

In this issue of JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, Krastev et al have presented a much needed systematic review and meta-analysis of 52 autologous fat transfer (AFT) studies for facial reconstructive surgery consisting of 1568 patients with the conclusion that there was very-high patient satisfaction (91%) and surgeon satisfaction (89%) only after 1.5 sessions with volume retention of 50% to 60% at 1 year. The use of AFT for reconstructive purposes has not been well documented, and this meta-analysis evaluates all of the indications for AFT for facial reconstruction including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated lipodystrophy (the most common indication), followed by congenital disorders, and then a heterogeneous mixture of trauma, cancer, scars, etc.