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Does Fat Grafting Influence Postoperative Edema in Orthognathic Surgery?
Raysa Cabrejo1, Christopher R DeSesa, Rajendra Sawh-Martinez
1*Yale School of Medicine †Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery ‡Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital §Craniofacial Center, Yale University School of Medicine, Plastic and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, New Haven, CT.
Autologous fat grafting in orthognathic surgery reduces facial swelling. This procedure lessened postoperative edema, leading to a faster and greater resolution of swelling by 12 weeks.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Background:
- Autologous fat grafting is a valuable addition to orthognathic surgery.
- Fat grafting may possess anti-inflammatory effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of fat grafting on facial edema following orthognathic surgery.
- Assessing the magnitude, duration, and resolution rate of facial edema.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study analyzing 3D photographs.
- Comparison between fat-grafted and non-fat-grafted cohorts.
- Statistical analysis using t-tests and linear regressions.
Main Results:
- Facial volume increased by 23.7% postoperatively.
- Swelling decreased by 62% by week 12.
- Fat grafting accelerated edema resolution without increasing initial swelling.
Conclusions:
- Postoperative facial edema typically resolves by 12 weeks.
- Fat grafting in orthognathic surgery reduces edema magnitude and speeds resolution.
- Fat grafting is a beneficial adjunctive procedure for managing postoperative swelling.
