Combined supraperiosteal microfat grafting and intradermal nanofat for the treatment of periorbital melanosis (dark circles)

Abstract

Objectives: Dark circles are one of the most common aesthetic concerns in India. While several treatment options exist, none address both volume deficiency and skin quality simultaneously. We felt that fat grafting and nanofat provided a novel treatment option to address both aspects of dark circles in one treatment.

Material and methods: Patient records were examined from 2017 to 2021. A total of 28 patients were identified as having undergone fat grafting and nanofat for dark circles specifically. The patients were analyzed for age, gender, volumes injected, and outcomes based on patient self-assessment.

Results: A total of 36 patients underwent fat grafting ranging from the age of 20 to 40 (average 31). All procedures were done under local anesthesia as day care procedures. The volumes injected range from 2 cc/side to 8 cc/side, with an average of 4.36 cc. Using the Likert scale, 28 (77%) rated their results as very satisfied. Six (17%) rated it as satisfied. One rated it as neutral and two rated it as average, and underwent a second session of fat grafting where another 2 cc was injected per side.

Conclusion: Fat grafting and nanofat are an exciting treatment option for the treatment of dark circles, which is usually regarded as a recalcitrant problem. It has the advantages of addressing both volume and skin quality, being a single-stage procedure, and producing comparatively long-lasting results.

Keywords: Dark circles; Fat grafting; Nanofat; Periorbital melanosis; Undereye rejuvenation.

Figure 1:

A 28-year-old patient with 4 cc microfat injected per side.

Figure 2:

A 40-year-old patient with 6 cc microfat injected per side.

Figure 3:

A 24-year-old patient with 5 cc microfat injected per side.

Figure 4:

A 32-year-old patient with 6 cc microfat injected per side.