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Coronoid-Temporalis Pedicled Flap for Orbital Floor Defect Reconstruction
Published on: December 5, 2025
Autogenous fat grafting for mild-to-moderate postoperative temporal hollowing after decompressive craniectomy:
Jaemin Choi1, Hyungon Choi1, Donghyeok Shin1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Konkuk University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
Background:
Temporal hollowing is inevitable after decompressive craniectomy. This complication affects self-perception and quality of life, and various techniques and materials have therefore been used to restore patients' confidence. Autologous fat grafting in postoperative scar tissue has been considered challenging because of the hostile tissue environment. However, in this study, we demonstrate that autologous fat grafting can be a simple and safe treatment of choice, even for postoperative depressed temporal scar tissue.
Methods:
Autologous fat grafting was performed in 13 patients from 2011 to 2016. Fat was harvested according to Coleman's strategy, using a tumescent technique. Patient-reported outcomes were collected preoperatively and at 1-month and 1-year follow-ups. Photographs were taken at each visit.
Results:
The thighs were the donor site in all cases for the first procedure. The median final volume of harvested fat was 29.4 mL (interquartile range [IQR], 24.0-32.8 mL). The median final volume of fat transferred into the temporal area was 4.9 mL on the right side (IQR, 2.5-7.1 mL) and 4.6 mL on the left side (IQR, 3.7-5.9 mL). There were no major complications. The patient-reported outcomes showed significantly improved self-perceptions at 1 month and at 1 year.
Conclusions:
Despite concerns about the survival of grafted fat in scar tissue, we advise autologous fat grafting for patients with temporal hollowing resulting from a previous craniectomy.
