Major clinical evidence of cervicofacial liposculpture: a concise systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Liposculpture (LS) can complement cervicofacial aging surgery. Modern trends in face sculpting are expanding and adipose tissue transfer can result in optimal esthetic effects with minimally invasive techniques. Facial LS focuses on repositioning adipose tissue and increasing facial transition zones. This is accomplished using internal suspension sutures as well as with autologous fat grafting. Objective: To carry out a concise systematic review of the main clinical considerations and advances in facial and cervical liposculpture as an important aesthetic tool for dental surgeons. Methods: The rules of the Systematic Review-PRISMA Platform were followed. The search was carried out from November 2021 to February 2022 in Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results: Fifty articles were found involving facial liposculpture. A total of 30 articles were fully evaluated and 16 were included and developed in the present study. Considering the Cochrane tool for risk of bias, the overall assessment resulted in 10 studies at high risk of bias and 4 studies that did not meet the GRADE. Most patients who were involved in the studies showed improvements in facial augmentation and contouring. In patients with loss of facial volume, high-density fat transfer with SVF-gel facial injection resulted in significantly higher improvement scores and better patient satisfaction, with an improved/much improved esthetic appearance being observed. As a follow-up analysis of the studies, at an average of six months after completion, most patients were satisfied with the results. All procedures were well tolerated. Conclusion: According to the main clinical studies selected in the present study, cervicofacial liposculpture proved to be advantageous, with safety and efficacy.