Complications of Fat Grafting and Repositioning for Correction of Lower Eyelid Pouch With Tear Trough Deformity or Lid-Cheek Junction

Background Fat grafting and repositioning may serve as a convenient, economical, and effective surgical method for correcting lower eyelid pouch with a tear trough deformity or lid-cheek junction. However, comprehensive systematic reviews and meta-analyses investigating the complications associated with this technique are lacking. Objective This study aimed to summarize and gather data on complications related to fat grafting and repositioning for the correction of tear trough deformity or lid-cheek junction in lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Methods A thorough search was performed across multiple databases including PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, ProQuest, Ovid, Scopus, and Web of Science. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to screen the articles. The occurrence of complications was analyzed using a random-effects model. Results A total of 33 studies involving 4671 patients met the criteria for systematic evaluation and were included in this meta-analysis. The overall complication rates were 0.112 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.060–0.177) for total complications, 0.062 (95% CI: 0.003–0.172) for unsatisfactory correction or contour irregularity, 0.062 (95% CI: 0.009–0.151) for hematoma, swelling (not specified as bulbar conjunctiva), ecchymosis, or oozing of blood, and 0.024 (95% CI: 0.013–0.038) for reoperation. Conclusions Fat grafting and repositioning for correcting a lower eyelid pouch with tear trough deformity or lid-cheek junction was associated with high rates of complications. Therefore, it is crucial to closely monitor the rates of unsatisfactory correction or contour irregularity, hematoma, swelling (not specified as bulbar conjunctiva), ecchymosis, or oozing of blood, and reoperation. In addition, effective communication with patients should be prioritized.