Updated: Mar 28, 2026

Surgical Approach to Full Soft Tissue Face Allograft Procurement for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation
Published on: December 30, 2025
Heung-Kyu Kim1, Seung Chul Rhee, Soo Hyang Lee
1*Elle Plastic Surgery Clinic, Seoul †Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ilsan Hospital, Medical College of Dongguk University, Goyang, South Korea.
This study examines a new technique for chin augmentation using a double folded dermal graft. The method was tested on 58 patients with measurements taken at multiple timepoints. Ultrasound showed gradual graft resorption, with 34.93% reduction after one year. Most patients remained satisfied without needing further surgery. The technique offers a natural-looking alternative to artificial implants. Results suggest the graft design provides consistent and predictable outcomes. This approach addresses patient preferences for non-synthetic augmentation materials.
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Area of Science:
Background:
Chin augmentation is a widely performed facial aesthetic procedure. Established knowledge includes the use of autologous and artificial materials for chin enhancement. However, limited data exists on dermal grafts for this purpose. Prior research has shown variable success with different graft types, but long-term resorption rates remain unclear. This gap motivated the investigation of dermal grafts as a potential alternative. No prior work had resolved the issue of graft design and long-term stability in chin augmentation. The need for natural-appearing results without synthetic implants is a recognized patient preference. This paper's contribution lies in providing evidence-based surgical techniques for dermal graft use.
Purpose Of The Study:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel double folded dermal graft technique for chin augmentation. The specific problem addressed is the lack of reliable data on dermal graft resorption and patient satisfaction. The motivation stems from patient demand for natural results without artificial implants. The study sought to measure graft thickness changes over time. It also aimed to assess long-term patient satisfaction. The design focused on a unique graft configuration to improve outcomes. The authors intended to provide evidence-based surgical guidance. This approach addresses a specific need in aesthetic surgery.
The average resorption rate was 34.93% at 12 months post-surgery.
Periodic sonography was used to measure thickness preoperatively and at 1, 6, and 12 months.
The authors propose the design improves graft stability and natural appearance.
54 out of 56 patients (96.4%) remained satisfied for three years.
The average thickness was 8.33 ± 1.21 mm at six months.
Main Methods:
The study involved 58 patients undergoing supraperiosteal chin augmentation. A double folded dermal graft was used as the augmentation material. Ultrasound measurements were taken preoperatively and at 1, 6, and 12 months post-surgery. Thickness data was collected to assess graft resorption rates. The graft design was standardized across all cases. Follow-up lasted up to three years to monitor patient satisfaction. Statistical analysis compared resorption rates at different timepoints. The authors documented outcomes using both objective and subjective measures.
Main Results:
At six months post-surgery, graft thickness was 8.33 ± 1.21 mm. At twelve months, thickness was 7.99 ± 1.19 mm. The average resorption rate was 32.17% at six months. At twelve months, resorption reached 34.93%. These values indicate gradual but consistent graft reduction. Fifty-four out of fifty-six patients reported satisfaction. No additional surgeries were requested during follow-up. The double folded design showed consistent performance across cases.
Conclusions:
The authors propose that the double folded dermal graft offers reliable chin augmentation results. The resorption rates suggest gradual but predictable graft behavior. Patient satisfaction remained high over three years of follow-up. The design appears to meet the demand for natural-looking outcomes. No synthetic implants were used in the reported cases. The technique provides an alternative to artificial materials. The authors suggest this method is suitable for patients seeking non-synthetic options. These findings support the use of dermal grafts in chin augmentation.
The authors suggest it meets demand for natural results without synthetic implants.