Free Dermal Fat Graft for Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defects in the Maxillofacial Region

Abstract

Study Design: Facial contour deformities are a very challenging issue for aesthetic and reconstructive surgeons. Free dermal fat graft is a composite graft used for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the maxillofacial region. The free dermal fat graft is easily adapted and contoured intraoperatively and provides a soft, natural, and favorable appearance after augmentation of the soft tissue defects. Objective: To assess the use of free dermal fat graft for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the maxillofacial region in regard to graft success, percentage of overcorrection, any associated complications, and cone beam computed tomography scan linear measurements for defect’s depth. Methods: This is a prospective study that included a patients were grafted with free dermal fat graft for correction of facial soft tissue defects from November 2017 to July 2019. All patients possess a depression defect and facial asymmetry due to congenital facial deformities, post-traumatic deformities, and post-ablative surgical deformities. Results: Eleven patients (8 males and 3 females) with a mean age of 33.7 years were enrolled in this study. Five regions in the maxillofacial area were grafted in 11 patients. The mean of the postoperative follow-up was 6 months. The percentage of graft overcorrection was 15%. The mean for graft survival was 94.4% with no serious complications reported. Conclusions: The autologous FDFG is a versatile and less invasive method in the reconstruction of facial soft tissue defects with a very good survival rate.