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Hollowness FAQs | All Topics

One-Piece Orbital Strip Fat Grafts
for Upper Eyelid Hollowness







Note: Three years ago, we developed an upper lid small-incision approach using particulate (pearl) fat that allows a fuller restoration with less anatomical disruption and faster recovery. It is now our procedure of choice for treating upper hollowenss and has replaced strip fat grafting.

While the material below describes strip fat grafting, most of the same principles apply to the small-incision approach to upper orbital fat grafting.

This one-piece strip of fat is generally obtained from a donor area beneath the pubic hair where the fat contains a rich fascial component.

 

It is implanted behind the intact orbital septum of the upper eyelid as a single piece rather than as a collection of multiple smaller pieces as is done with pearl fat grafting in the lower eyelid.

Normal upper orbital fat exists in precisely this location. In contrast to methods such as superficial needle injection of liposuctioned fat cells under the skin or into the muscle, fasica-fat augmentation occurs at a much deeper but more natural physiologic location.

 

As a volume enhancer, strip fat is thus superior to injected synthetic or biological materials and provides a smoother contouring for the ovelying skin.

The high fascial component of the graft seems to favor a rapid return of blood supply and also helps to provide a more stable architecture in terms of volume and shape.

Because the graft is placed into the deeper anatomic location naturally intended for fat (the same area from which fat is removed during blepharoplasty), "take" is usually excellent.

When preexisting anatomical conditions allow the strip fat graft to be placed behind an intact orbital septum, graft survival is consistently good (50-70%). Between 2-4 mm of thickness can be added in a single operation. If volume depletion is advanced, a second surgery may be necessary to obtain the best enhancement.







Orbital Fat Grafting
Restoring Fullness to Sunken and Hollow Eyelids

orbital fat grafting
eyelid plastic surgery preview Orbital Fat Grafting Basics

eyelid plastic surgery preview Before and After Photos
photos upper eyelid hollowness
photos lower eyelid hollowness

Overview | Pertinent Anatomy | eyelid plastic surgery preview Preventable Causes

The Orbital Flat Tire | Doll's Eye Deformity
Hollowness in the Asian Upper Eyelid

Not the Same as Fat Injections

Video: That Tiny Roll of Upper Eyelid Skin:
It's Not What You Think
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Treatment Options: Introduction
Upper Eyelid Hollowness | Lower Eyelid Hollowness
eyelid plastic surgery preview Upper Cheek Hollowness

Pearl Fat Grafting | Strip Fat Grafting
Combination Strip-Pearl Fat Grafting Technique
Small Incision Approach

Orbit-to-Orbit Fat Transfer | Internal Orbital Fat Relocation
Dermal Fat Grafts | eyelid plastic surgery preview Fat Injections | eyelid plastic surgery preview Dermal Fillers



New: Latest 2012 Orbital Fat Grafting Updates
For Potential Patients
Course for Physicians



What is Meant By Under-Eye Hollows?
eyelid plastic surgery preview
Dark Circles
eyelid plastic surgery preview Orbital Hollowness and Brow Lift



Healing and Recovery
Sequential Photos from Before to 18 Months After
eyelid plastic surgery preview Removal of Excess Grafted Fat

About Dr. Meronk and Eyelid Hollowness


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