Formosan Journal of Surgery (Jan 2018)

Facial recontouring with autologous cryopreserved fat graft

  • Hsu Ma,
  • Yin-Han Fang,
  • Chih-Hsun Lin,
  • Cherng-Kang Perng,
  • Chi-Han Tsai,
  • Fu-Yinn Hsiao

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/fjs.fjs_85_17
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 51, no. 2
pp. 58 – 62

Abstract

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Background: Autologous fat graft is a well established technique for soft tissue augmentation and the most significant drawback remains the unpredictability of the absorption rate and the possible repeating fat harvest procedures. In our basic study, we found evidence to support that fat cryopreservation is a practical method of storing fat tissue and several anecdotal clinical experiences suggest its clinical efficacy. Methods: Thirty two patients who received autologous cryopreserved fat grafts for facial deficiencies were retrospectively reviewed. Autologous cryopreserved fat grafts were transplanted for “touch up” or augmentation of other soft tissue deficiencies at least three months after fresh fat grafting, The patients' satisfaction was evaluated by a study-specific questionnaire. Results: 84 autologous fresh fat graft and 178 autologous cryopreserved fat graft procedures for the face were performed in 32 patients. There was no infection, skin retraction, fibrosis or necrosis identified except one patient complained of lump formation in the left upper lid (1/178, 0.6%). The self-assessment questionaaire revealed no statistical difference of effectiveness rating between the fresh and cryopreserved fat grafting results (mean± standard deviation: 8.64±1.09 vs 8.73±0.985; P > 0.05) but there was significant statistical difference of convenience rating between the fresh and cryopreserved fat grafting (mean± standard deviation: 2.68±1.07 vs 8.41±1.05; P < 0.05). Of the twenty-two patients who returned the questionnaire, all reported willing to have the treatment in the future (9.73±0.456) and all said that they would like to recommend this treatment to their friends (9.82±0.395). Conclusions: Autologous cryopreserved fat graft is a safe, simple, and convenient technique to restore facial soft tissue defects with acceptable patient satisfaction rate. Clinical Question/Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, IV.

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