Treatment with Hyaluronic Acid Filler into Calcaneal Fat Pad for Height Augmentation

• Published in: Aesthetic plastic surgery 2024-10
• Main Authors: Yi, Kyu-Ho, Park, Jung-Wan, Wan, Jovian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0364-216X; 1432-5241; 1432-5241
• DOI: 10.1007/s00266-024-04466-4

The heel fat pad plays a crucial role in shock absorption during walking, yet clinical strategies to augment its thickness for height enhancement remain underexplored. This case report presents the novel use of cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) injections into the calcaneal fat pad as a method for height augmentation. A 37-year-old male, with a height of 162.5 cm, sought a permanent solution to increase his stature. After discussing various options, 10 cc of HA filler (e.p.t.q. eve X, JETEMA Co. Ltd, Korea) was injected into each heel pad under ultrasonographic guidance to ensure precise and safe delivery into the deep adipose tissue. The procedure resulted in an immediate 1.2 cm height increase, which persisted as a 1.7 cm gain at both the 6-month and 1-year follow-up assessments. The patient reported high satisfaction with the outcome, particularly noting improved self-confidence. This case highlights the potential of HA fillers for height augmentation, offering a non-invasive, durable alternative for individuals seeking such enhancements. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up are required to fully assess the long-term efficacy and safety of this technique, particularly concerning risks such as filler migration or uneven distribution.Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .