Facial contour reconstruction using an autologous free fat graft: a case report with 18-year follow-up

The versatility of autologous fat transplantation in correction of facial deformities: a single-center experience

Deformities in the craniofacial region are of great social and functional importance. Several surgical techniques have been used to treat such pathologies often with high morbidity and lacking the ability to address smaller contour defects. The minimally invasive technique of fat transplantation has evolved rapidly within the last few decades. The objective of this paper is to present the versatility and applicability of fat transplantation in a wide range of contour deformities in the craniofacial region. We share our experiences in treating 13 patients with autoimmune disorders, congenital malformations, and acquired defects. Future perspectives of fat transplantation in the field of craniofacial reconstruction are discussed.

Successful reconstruction of nongrowing hemifacial microsomia patients with unilateral temporomandibular joint total joint prosthesis and orthognathic surgery

PURPOSE

Traditionally, patients with hemifacial microsomia (HFM) and significant ipsilateral hypoplasia or absence of the condyle and ramus undergo reconstruction on the ipsilateral side with autogenous tissues such as rib grafts, often with compromised results. This study analyzed the surgical treatment outcomes of nongrowing patients with HFM and reconstruction of the ipsilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and advancement of the mandible with a patient-fitted TMJ total joint prosthesis (TMJ Concepts, Inc, Ventura, CA), a contralateral mandibular ramus sagittal split osteotomy, and maxillary osteotomies performed in 1 operation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All nongrowing patients with HFM treated with this surgical protocol from 1997 to 2010 in a single private practice were included in this study and subjectively evaluated before surgery and at the longest postsurgical follow-up for pain, diet, jaw function, and disability using a visual numerical scale (0 to 10). Surgical changes and postsurgical stability were analyzed using lateral cephalograms before surgery, immediately after surgery, and at the longest follow-up.

RESULTS

Six patients (4 female and 2 male) were included in this study, with an average age at surgery of 23.5 years (range, 14 to 39 yrs) and an average follow-up of 6 years 3 months (range, 1 yr to 11 yrs 4 mo). For all subjective parameters, all patients improved or remained the same. Incisal opening improved or remained the same in 4 of the 6 patients, with 2 patients having decreased opening. Excursive movements decreased. The maxillomandibular complex was surgically rotated counterclockwise, advanced, and transversely leveled, with the anterior maxillary reference points (anterior nasal spine, point A) undergoing relative small movements. The mandibular incisor tips (lower incisor tips) advanced a mean of 8.9 mm, point B 14.8 mm, pogonion 18.6 mm, menton 17.5 mm and the occlusal plane angle decreased -12.3°. Postsurgical long-term stability indicated that the anterior maxillary references changed a significant amount, whereas all horizontal and vertical anterior mandibular measurements (lower incisor tip, point B, pogonion, menton) and the occlusal plane showed no significant changes.

CONCLUSIONS

The TMJ Concepts total joint prosthesis in conjunction with orthognathic surgery for TMJ and jaw reconstruction in nongrowing patients with HFM is highly predictable for skeletal and occlusal stability, comfort, TMJ function, and improved facial balance.

Fatty Hypertrophy Cause Obstructive Sleep Apnea after Fat Injection for Velopharyngeal Incompetence

Intervention

Soft tissue augmentation of the posterior pharyngeal wall and the soft palate is reported to reduce velopharyngeal incompetence, and fat grafting in selected patients has shown effective and lasting results for restoring normal resonance. Potential complications of soft tissue augmentation for velopharyngeal incompetence include obstructive sleep apnea.

Patient

An 8-year-old boy with velopharyngeal incompetence and a small velopharyngeal gap underwent a fat injection procedure and subsequently developed obstructive sleep apnea concomitant with a significant weight gain. Videofluoroscopy and nasendoscopy showed a remarkable enlargement of the grafted fat areas that required a soft palate debulking procedure, significantly improving obstructive sleep apnea.

Conclusion

This is an unusual case where alteration in volume of grafted fat at the recipient site is suspected of causing obstructive sleep apnea. It is also an example of long-term fat graft survival and fat graft overgrowth.

The correction of post-traumatic pan facial residual deformity

Disfiguring post-traumatic deformities of the midface sometimes persist even after the treatment. Such deformities, after healing, are among the most formidable challenges faced by the surgeons, apart from the psychological impact on the patients. Following the basic principles of craniofacial reconstruction and with newer techniques, better results can be achieved. Symmetry is key to proper reconstruction in general and face in particular. Proper facial projection and height must be re-established with harmonious occlusion. Our basic approach to the evaluation of deformities and particularly useful techniques for their correction are presented, with a representative case of malunited panfacial fracture that we treated with an iliac bone onlay grafting for zygoma along with correction of mandibular deformity by osteotomies.

Current applications and safety of autologous fat grafts: a report of the ASPS fat graft task force

TASK FORCE STATEMENT: In 2007, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons formed a task force to conduct an assessment regarding the safety and efficacy of autologous fat grafting, specifically to the breast, and to make recommendations for future research. The task force formulated specific issues regarding fat grafting and then compiled them to focus on five broad-based questions: 1. What are the current and potential applications of fat grafting (specifically breast indications, and if data are available, other cosmetic and reconstructive applications)? 2. What risks and complications are associated with fat grafting? 3. How does technique affect outcomes, including safety and efficacy, of fat grafting? 4. What risk factors need to be considered for patient selection at this level of invasiveness? 5. What advancements in bench research/molecular biology potentially impact current or future methods of fat grafting? To answer these questions, the task force reviewed the scientific literature, critically appraised the information available, and developed evidence-based practice recommendations. Although the primary issue of interest was fat grafting to the breast, other aspects of fat grafting were evaluated.

[Adipose tissue hypertrophy after Lipostructure in HIV patient with antiretroviral treatment. Case report and literature review]

HIV-related facial atrophy is a common complication due to antiretroviral treatment. The social handicap due to this lipodystrophy increase the demand of surgical correction. The usual treatment is the Lipostructure described by Coleman. The hypertrophy is one of the complications which can occur after a correction by Lipostructure. This complication is different from the overcorrection by the free time before his appearance. The treatment by liposuction is possible but there is a high risk of recurrence. The best treatment, after the literature review, seems to be the direct excision.