ABSTRACT
A frequent problem following cleft lip repair is insufficient lip volume and unappealing aesthetics. Autologous fat grafting is a method of improving the appearance of post-correction deformity. The aim of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of autologous fat grafting in improving the aesthetics of cleft lip deformity. The benefits of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), benefits and complications of fat grafting, timing of grafting, and harvest and transplant techniques will be examined. This review process used "PubMed" and "Google Scholar" as primary databases. Searches were performed using combinations of key terms: "Fat Graft," "Cleft Lip," "Vermillion," "Autologous Fat Transplantation," and "Adipocyte Derived Stem Cell." Reviews of reference lists for additional pertinent data were performed. Autologous fat grafting may be performed during primary repair or as a secondary correction. Statistically significant improvements in appearance were observed in some or all measured variables regardless of repair timing. Both timing options show favorable outcomes; however, there is more evidence in support of grafting as a secondary correction. Some degree of graft reabsorption will occur, lending evidence to the practice of overcorrecting to accommodate losses. Graft retention is stabilized by the 12-month mark. The presence of ADSCs within the graft aids in graft stabilization and retention. Despite a lack of longitudinal data to examine graft retention throughout a patient's lifetime, autologous fat grafting appears to be a safe and minimally invasive method of repairing deformity secondary to cleft lip repair supported by follow-up data as far as two years postoperatively with minimal reported complications.
