Regen Fat Code: A Standardized Protocol for Facial Volumetry and Rejuvenation.

BACKGROUND Facial aging is a degenerative process that impairs contour and angle prominences. Rejuvenation is based on tissue replacement, volumization of the atrophic areas, improvement of flaccidity and cutaneous photoaging. OBJECTIVES The study aims to apply structural fat grafting to manage volumetric deficits of the face, following a new systematic protocol called "Regen Fat Code" (RF Code); created to standardize the structural lipotransfer methods. METHODS This is a prospective clinical trial involving 80 healthy candidates for facial rejuvenation that were split into two groups. Group A underwent only structural lipotransfer and Group B was submitted to replacement of deep facial structures by face lifting plus structural lipotransfer. Structural lipotransfer followed the protocol "RF Code" and 3 clinical tools were adopted for facial volumetric analysis pre and postoperatively. RESULTS Total Volume (ml) of lipotransfer in group A and B per area ranged between 1-20 ml (vol mean=12 ml; SD: 5): Nasolabial Fold (vol mean=3.32 ml - SD:0.92); Superior Lip (vol mean= 2.0 - SD: 0.62); Inferior Lip (vol mean= 2.76 - SD:0.71); Malar (vol mean= 8.51- SD:5.25), Inferior Eyelid (vol mean= 1.2 ml - SD: 0.54) and Chin (vol meas=7.18 ml - SD:1.99). Areas with less mobility showed a lower absorption index than dynamic areas. CONCLUSIONS The development of the present guide protocol demonstrated the potential of grouping many parameters based on the lipotransfer method to volumize and regenerate atrophic areas of the face. Easy to apply, allowed the proposition of different volumizing and regenerative effects, according to the surgical area's demands.