Anatomical fat grafting for reconstruction of frontotemporal contour deformities after neurosurgical and craniofacial surgical interventions : a symmetry outcome study

Abstract

Fait grafting has been described as an option to repair frontotemporal contour deformities (volumetric deficiency of bone and/or soft tissues) after neurosurgical/craniofacial surgical interventions. However, technical surgical descriptions have varied, with reports describing the bolus fat injection or the classical multi-layer injection, but with no detailed descriptions concerning how and where the fat should be grafted. The purpose of this study was to assess the frontotemporal symmetry outcomes after a single fat-grafting procedure for postoperative frontotemporal contour deformity reconstructions using the anatomical fat-grafting approach. A prospective analysis was conducted of consecutive patients (n = 106) who underwent anatomical fat grafting (Coleman's structural fat grafting technique using anatomical facial subunit and fat compartment principles) to reconstruct frontotemporal contour deformities after neurosurgical/craniofacial surgical interventions. A subjective assessment by a panel of external surgical professionals and laypersons was obtained to grade the frontotemporal symmetry. Objective ultrasound symmetry assessment was blindly performed preoperatively and at 3 and 12-month follow-up. There were significant (all P < 0.05) post-operative subjective and objective frontotemporal symmetry enhancements (preoperative < postoperative) after anatomical fat grafting, with no differences (all P > 0.05) between the 3- and 12-month postoperative comparisons. Thirty-seven percent of patients required an additional fat grafting session for residual asymmetry after 12 months of follow-up. Patients with frontotemporal contour deformities presented improved subjective and objective frontotemporal symmetry after an anatomical fat grafting session