Managing Soft Tissue Defects in Parry-Romberg Syndrome: An Individualized Approach

Abstract

Background: Parry-Romberg syndrome (PRS) is a rare condition characterized by a progressive shrinkage and degeneration of the tissues beneath the skin, usually on one side of the face. Managing this disease presents numerous challenges due to its heterogeneity and unpredictable outcomes. The existing literature is primarily composed of case reports and series, leading to a lack of comprehensive guidelines on surgical intervention for the various manifestations of PRS. We propose an approach to address these challenges and optimize surgical outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients who underwent surgical correction for PRS between 2012 and 2022. Surgical interventions were determined based on the location and severity of the facial defect. The revision procedures were tailored to each patient until they were satisfied with the results. Results: Eleven patients underwent surgical correction, with an average of 3.2 procedures per patient. Fat grafting or dermal fat grafting was sufficiently effective for mild deficits in all areas and for upper-third deficits regardless of severity. For moderate to severe defects in the mid and lower face, a combination of buried free flaps and fat grafting yielded satisfactory results. Upon final revision, all patients rated their results as satisfactory or excellent. Conclusions: We propose an approach to surgical management that takes into account the specific deficits of each patient. Our approach has proven to yield aesthetically pleasing and reliable results, aligning with findings in the existing literature. This method could provide a foundation for standardized guidelines and improve the prognosis for individuals with PRS.