Amniotic membrane to the rescue of partially necrosed dermis fat graft

Abstract

A 25-year-old woman underwent dermis fat graft on the right side for persistent ocular pain with her polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) spherical orbital implant. One week later she developed dermal necrosis of the dermis fat graft with potentially devastating fat atrophy if left uncovered. Amniotic membrane graft epithelial side up was sutured to the conjunctiva surrounding the fat. 2 weeks later the graft epithelialized with preservation of fat. Role of amniotic membrane graft as a routine lining over dermis fat grafts to promote conjunctival healing and prevent fat exposure needs to be studied in prospective studies.