Fat Necrosis After Facial Autologous Fat Grafting: A Systematic Review of Reported Complications and Management Strategies.

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Background Autologous fat grafting (AFG) has become a popular technique in facial aesthetic and reconstructive surgery due to its regenerative properties and biocompatibility. Despite its favorable safety profile, complications such as fat necrosis, oil cysts and lipogranuloma are underreported but can have significant clinical impact. Objectives To systematically review the literature on facial fat necrosis, oil cyst and lipogranuloma following AFG, with a focus on clinical presentation, anatomical distribution, risk factors, diagnostic modalities, and management outcomes. Methods A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases was conducted to identify studies reporting fat necrosis, oil cyst or lipogranuloma as complications of facial AFG. Eighteen studies, including case reports, case series, and retrospective reviews, were included in qualitative synthesis. Results The periorbital region was the most frequently affected site, often following forehead or glabellar fat injections. Lesions typically presented as firm, painless nodules or oil cysts weeks to months post-procedure. Cryopreserved fat and repeat grafting sessions were common risk factors. Diagnosis was largely clinical, with imaging and histology used selectively. Corticosteroid therapy (oral or intralesional) was the most frequently successful treatment. Observation was appropriate for small, asymp

Evidence level

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

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