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Fat transplantation’s evolution will diminish reconstructive procedures for craniofacial deformities

Researchers highlighted the multiple utilities of fat transplantation for facial reconstructive surgery among 13 patients with various craniofacial deformities.

Multiple procedures are usually required; however, the procedures are minimally invasive and the hospitalization period is short, according to researchers.

One patient underwent sedation and local anesthesia, while the remaining 12 had general anesthesia.

Fat was harvested from the flanks, abdomen, breast and thigh and centrifuged at 1800 rpm for 3 minutes with the supernatant oil and liposuction fluid removed.

Patients with the following conditions, disorders and/or defects were successfully treated: scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, necrotizing fasciitis, abscess, gunshot, hemangioma, mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, Treacher Collins Syndrome, hemifacial macrosomia (four patients) and Neurofibromatosis Recklinghausen.

Patients had a mean number of 1.69 fat transplantations with a mean volume of 19.41 mL of injected fat and a mean follow-up of 10.6 months.

Ten patients previously had other surgical procedures.

Out of a total of 22 procedures in 13 patients, researchers observed no complications and the contours and softening of the skin were improved.

“Autologous fat transplantation shows its elegance when detailed modulation is needed for small contour defects that attract the eye,” the researchers wrote. – by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure: The researchers reported no relevant financial disclosures.