Adipose Grafting for Volume and Scar Release

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine
• Aesthetic Medicine

Background:

• Adipose fat grafting (AFG) is a widely used technique for volume augmentation in facial, breast, and other body areas.
• AFG has shown promise in scar release, providing soft tissue coverage and pain relief for conditions including complex regional pain syndrome, burn scars, morphea, and lupus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the senior author's technique and outcomes for using AFG in the face and body.
• To evaluate AFG for treating volume deficiency, atrophic scarring, and deformities.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective chart review of 127 AFG procedures from September 2006 to September 2019.
• Fat was harvested using syringes or power-assisted systems and grafted with various cannulas, including a 0.9-mm blunt cannula for facial applications.
• Fourteen patients underwent AFG specifically for scar contracture release.

Main Results:

• The majority of AFG procedures were for the face (45%), breasts (22%), and scar contracture (16%).
• Mean grafted volumes were 21 mL (face), 102 mL (breasts), 38 mL (scar contracture), and 27 mL (deformities).
• Sixteen percent required additional procedures; no major complications occurred, with only minor, manageable local reactions.

Conclusions:

• Autologous fat grafting consistently achieves volume correction.
• AFG not only corrects volume but also decreases pain in patients with autoimmune disorders, burn scars, and retracted scars.
• AFG is an inexpensive, safe, and effective treatment for volume restoration and scar improvement.