Long Term Follow-up of Vascularized Dermal Fat Transfer

Abstract

Backgrounds: Fibrous dysplasia is an uncommon, benign disorder characterized by a tumor-like proliferation of fibro-osseous tissue. It can present as an autosomal dominant disorder affecting the mandible and maxilla bones in children in their teenage years. The patient manifests with unilateral firm swelling of cheek. It can be managed by excision and resulting contour defect that can be managed by reconstructing using vascularized dermal fat. Resorption is the main problem due to an insuf!cient blood supply, and vascularized dermal fat have been described to minimize this problem.
Patients and Methods: In this study we report the results after insertion of vascularized dermal fat into zygomatic-maxilla region. The method consists of implantation of vascularized dermis with attached subcutaneous fat from the antero-lateral thigh (ALT) into the right zygomatic-maxilla region, anastomosing the vascular with temporal superficial vessel. During a one-year follow up, the patient showed good results. Graft atrophy was observed. Despite the more extensive surgery and some minor complications the safety of this method with good functional and cosmetic results makes vascularized dermal fat an excellent alternative to reconstruct facial contour defect.
Results: Compared with free-fat grafts, resorption rates for vascularized adipose tissue transfers are very low. Satisfactory cosmetic results were also achieved.
Summary: The advantages of this method is the minimized resorption and an excellent functional and cosmetic result. Therefor, we imply that vascularized dermal fat is an excellent method to reconstruct facial contour defect.