Soft-tissue reconstruction of the face: a comparison of dermal-fat grafting and vascularized tissue transfer

Eight patients treated with dermal-fat grafts and 8 patients treated with vascularized tissue transfer were retrospectively reviewed to determine the efficacy of the two methods in the treatment of the soft-tissue defects in Romberg's disease, clefting syndromes including hemifacial microsomia, and traumatic defects. Follow-up averaged 4 years and ranged from 1 to 9 years for the vascularized transfers and 1.5 to 11 years for the dermal-fat grafts. Both techniques were able to provide enduring augmentation. The vascularized transfers were able to provide a greater amount of augmentation. We conclude that dermal-fat grafting is a satisfactory technique for mild to moderate defects, but that vascularized transfers are required for moderate to severe defects.