Microliposuction and Radiofrequency Combined With Fat Grating as a New Method for Hybrid-Type Nasolabial Folds

Backgrounds: The hybrid-type nasolabial fold is a special, complex type of nasolabial fold with various causes, making it difficult to obtain an ideal effect with a single treatment.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect and complications of a comprehensive therapy combining microliposuction, radiofrequency, and fat grafting on hybrid-type nasolabial folds.

Results: Twenty-one patients aged 27 to 45 (mean: 34.71±5.41) years, who underwent the therapy for hybrid-type nasolabial folds were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were followed up for 12 months. Two independent observers conducted postoperative follow-ups at 1 week and 12 weeks. One week postoperatively, the hematoma, mass nodule, and skin scald ecchymosis scores were 1.24±0.43, 1.62±0.58, and 1.48±0.59, respectively. At 12 weeks, the scores of mass nodules and skin scald ecchymosis decreased (1.19±0.39 and 1.05±0.21, respectively) without obvious hematoma. The WSRS grade decreased from 4.33±0.47 to 2.19±0.39 (P<0.001), and the hybrid-type nasolabial folds significantly improved. The Face-Q scale score was 20.43±2.63 points (standard score: 85.12±10.95 points). 76.19% of the patients scored more than 80 points in the subjective Face-Q evaluation.

Conclusion: Microliposuction and radiofrequency combined with fat grafting effectively treats hybrid-type nasolabial folds, resulting in high patient satisfaction. Most complications can be prevented, and optimal outcomes can be obtained by comprehensive surgical methods and correct procedures, which is thus worthy of clinical promotion.