Fate of primary orbital dermis-fat grafts in guinea pigs

A year-long study was undertaken to serially evaluate the tissue changes occurring in dermis-fat graft (DFG) after orbital implantation in nine guinea pigs. Methods used to evaluate the DFGs were histology, magnetic resonance imaging, morphometric analysis, and clinical observations. The histology of a 1-year-old failed human dermis-fat graft has been included for completeness. The study reveals that clinically successful DFGs have a fibrous capsule surrounding the DFG. Minimal revascularization was present. The grafts appear to undergo continual histological changes for approximately 9 months before a steady-state condition ensues. Of interest are changes in the deep-orbital fat posterior to the DFG.