Large autologous free dermal-fat graft in treating facial depression

Abstract

Objective To investigate the operative effect of large autologous dermis-fat graft for the treatment of facial depression.Methods From Mar 1992 to Oct 2012,16 patients with facial depression deformities were treated with autologous free dermal fat graft,including 11 cases of hemifacial atrophy and 5 cases of other facial depressions.Results 17 dermal-fat grafts were used in 16 patients,the volume of which ranged from 30 cm3 to 64 cm3.15 grafts survived completely,and the other two were treated with partial fat liquefaction postoperatively.Satisfactory results were achieved in 15 patients after one stage treatment.The other one underwent secondary filling operation 8 months postoperatively due to resorption.The patients were followed up for 1 month to 25 months.All 16 cases showed almost symmetry outlook at last.The wounds at the donor sites and recipient sites were primarily healed with no functional morbidity.Conclusions Large free autologous dermal-fat grafting is effective and safe for facial contour augmentation.The procedure is affordable and easy-to-use.It can not only obtain symmetry of the face but also provide a more natural shape and feeling. Key words: Dermal fat; Facial depression Progressive hemifacial atrophy