Step by Step: Autologous Fat Transfer in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Abstract

Autologous fat transfer (AFT), a technique first performed in the late 19th century for treatment of facial deformity,1 has seen a resurgence during the last 2 decades with the introduction and widespread use of the Coleman technique. The Coleman method of harvesting and processing fat prevents the traumatic handling of fat, which historically led to significant fat resorption and unpredictable results. Although fat grafting to the face is most often thought of as a rejuvenating cosmetic procedure to address volume loss and facial aging, AFT has additional utility in maxillofacial reconstruction for post-traumatic injuries, craniofacial deformities, and acquired deformities.