Long-term Efficacy and Patient Satisfaction with Micro-Autologous Fat Transplantation (MAFT) for Gummy Smile Correction

INTRODUCTION: Gummy smiles, marked by an excessive gingival display greater than 2-3 mm, detrimentally affect facial aesthetics and self-esteem. Traditional correction methods, such as botulinum toxin injections, offer temporary solutions requiring frequent repetition, while more invasive surgical options like orthodontics and gingival manipulations come with increased complexity and variable effectiveness. This study evaluates Micro-Autologous Fat Transplantation (MAFT) as a minimally invasive, durable alternative for long-term gummy smile correction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2015 to December 2023, 52 patients were treated with MAFT. Fat was harvested, processed, and micro-injected into the nasolabial fold, ergotrid, and upper lip under total intravenous anesthesia. Assessments included preoperative and postoperative gingival display, patient satisfaction, and complications, with follow-ups at one, three, six months, or longer. RESULTS: With an average follow-up of 65 months, significant reductions in gingival display were observed. The procedure’s mean duration was 50 minutes, delivering an average of 17.2 mL of fat. Reductions in gingival display averaged 4.6 mm for the right canine incisor, 4.7 mm for the left canine incisor, 4.8 mm for the right canine, and 4.4 mm for the left canine. Patient satisfaction was high, with 92% reporting satisfaction or greater, and minimal discomfort reported. No major complications were noted, and any minor side effects were transient. CONCLUSION: MAFT emerges as a safe, highly effective, and patient-preferred method for correcting gummy smiles, providing a long-term solution that enhances facial aesthetic harmony and patient quality of life. This study solidifies MAFT’s standing as a leading alternative to more invasive traditional methods, advocating for its broader adoption in cosmetic surgery. Future research might explore MAFT’s efficacy in broader applications, potentially transforming approaches to facial aesthetics. Future studies should focus on standardizing treatment protocols, expanding patient numbers, and extending follow-up to better evaluate MAFT’s long-term efficacy and broader applications in cosmetic surgery.