Fat Grafting for Treatment of Facial Scleroderma.

Reparative, angiogenic, and immunomodulatory properties have been attributed to the cells in the adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction. Because of these characteristics, in the last decade, fat grafting for treatment of autoimmune diseases has grown. This article focuses on systemic sclerosis, a rare autoimmune disease characterized by skin fibrosis and microvascular damage. Lesions of the face are almost always present; however, current therapy is insufficient and patients have considerable disability and social discomfort. This article presents our approach to using fat grafting in the face as an innovative and promising therapy for patients with systemic sclerosis.

Application of microfat injection in the treatment of facial hypertrophic scar / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the clinical outcome of microfat injection on facial hypertrophic scar treatment.@*Methods@#A total of 22 patients had facial hypertrophic scar were treated with microfat injection. The microfat was injected into the scar three times for each case, with an interval of 2 months. The severity of scar was evaluated preoperatively and 1-month postoperatively, using modified Vancouver scar score, to evaluate the efficacy.@*Results@#Postoperative infection occurred in 1 case, and no further microfat injection was performed on him/her. All the other 21 cases have relieved cicatricial hyperemia, with the scar softening and flattening. The symptom of itching and pain were alleviated as well. The overall effective rate was 95.45%. The score of modified Vancouver scar scale was reduced from 12.82±2.15 preoperatively, to 7.05±1.76 6 months after the treatment (P<0.05).@*Conclusions@#The microfat injection can effectively improve the color and texture of the facial hypertrophic scar, and reduce the symptoms of itching and pain. It is a new choice for the treatment for hypertrophic scar.

Regenerative Approach to Scleroderma with Fat Grafting.

Grafted fat has many qualities of ideal filler; it is autologous, easily available, and naturally integrated into the host tissues. From a lipoaspirate, the adipose-tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction can be isolated, which is an excellent source of stem/stromal cells, endothelial progenitors, and immune cells. Fat grafting is being increasingly applied in autoimmune diseases, and this article focuses on systemic sclerosis, a rare autoimmune disease characterized by skin fibrosis and microvascular damage. The authors' approach of using fat graft in the face and adipose-tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction for hands is presented as innovative and promising therapy for patients with systemic sclerosis.

Use of autologous-fat graft in postenucleation-socket syndrome

Objective@#To describe the use of autologous-fat grafting in postenucleation-socket syndrome.@*Methods@#This is a case report.@*Results@#There was marked improvement in the gross appearance of the treated orbit of the patient. There was relief in enophthalmos and superior-sulcus deformity. Bilateral orbital symmetry was achieved. Postoperatively, only minimal bruising and swelling both in the orbit and source site were observed, which resolved in 4 weeks.@*Conclusion@#The use of autologous-fat graft is a novel but highly effective technique and a good alternative in treating patients with postenucleation-socket syndrome.

Soft Tissue Facial Contouring Using Autologous Microfat Injection

Autologous fat injection had not gained an attention in aesthetic plastic surgery, because of high reabsorption. Recently, fatty tissue was obtained by the low-power technique and centrifuged, results of autologous fat injection was improved. The authors performed autologous microfat injections on 277 patients from March 1997 through December 2002 to correct soft tissue facial contour such as aging, depressed facial contour, thin and long faces as well as postoperative complications and scars. The fatty tissues remaining from the first injection were kept at -20 degrees C up to twelve months, and were used for repeated injections in the overly- absorbed or inadequate areas. Of those 277 patients, 59% received an injection once, 35% received an injection twice, 5% received an injection three times and 1% received an injection up to four times. Follow-ups and postoperative photo confirmations were possible only in 119 out of 277 cases. 81.5% showed satisfied results, and development of complications were insignificant occurring at 6.2%. Owing to advances in tissue engineering and frozen storage method, autologous microfat used for injection will be developed as a better filler, which may substitute soft tissues.