Complementary Fat Graft Retention Rates Are Superior to Initial Rates in Craniofacial Contour Reconstruction

Abstract

Background: The purposes of this study were to (1) assess complementary fat graft outcomes, (2) compare initial and complementary fat graft retention rates, and (3) evaluate the influence of different postoperative time points (3, 6, and 12 months after the initial procedure) for performing complementary fat grafting on fat graft outcomes. Methods: A prospective analysis was conducted on patients with unilateral craniofacial contour deformities (n = 115) who underwent initial and complementary fat grafting. Complementary fat grafting was performed 3, 6, or 12 months after the initial fat grafts. Standardized ultrasonographic craniofacial soft-tissue thickness measurements were performed blindly to determine the initial and complementary fat graft retention rates at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results: A significant (p < 0.05) reduction of fat graft retention was observed within the first 3 postoperative months, and a maintenance of retention (p > 0.05) was observed at 3 through 12 months after surgery for both initial and complementary procedures. No significant (p > 0.05) differences were observed in comparative analysis of the postoperative time points. Complementary retention rates were significantly (p < 0.05) superior to initial retention rates at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Complementary retention rates at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery were significantly (p < 0.05) superior to initial retention rates for patients aged 18 years or older, those with Parry-Romberg syndrome, those who had undergone previous craniofacial bone surgery, and those with a recipient site at the forehead unit. Conclusion: The complementary fat graft retention rates were superior to the initial retention rates, with no significant differences among the postoperative time points for performing complementary procedures. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.