Restoration of facial contour using free vascularized omental transfer

Three cases are described in which free omental transfer was utilized for facial soft tissue augmentation. Dissections in 30 cadavers confirmed the five patterns of vascular distribution, the diameter of the omental vessels, and the fat distribution within the greater omentum. The versatile omentum offers many advantages over the "deepithelialized" groin flap: long pedicle, larger vessel size, less bulk, and tissue that can be layered upon itself. Retention of septae along the natural facial contour lines has improved the placement and minimized the late migration of transferred omental tissue.