Isolated Autologous Free Fat Grafting for Management of Facial Contour Asymmetry in a Subset of Growing Patients With Craniofacial Microsomia

Utilization of facial fat grafting augmented reality guidance system in facial soft tissue defect reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Successfully restoring facial contours continues to pose a significant challenge for surgeons. This study aims to utilize head-mounted display-based augmented reality (AR) navigation technology for facial soft tissue defect reconstruction and to evaluate its accuracy and effectiveness, exploring its feasibility in craniofacial surgery.

METHODS

Hololens 2 was utilized to construct the AR guidance system for facial fat grafting. Twenty artificial cases with facial soft tissue defects were randomly assigned to Group A and Group B, undergoing filling surgeries with the AR guidance system and conventional methods, respectively. All postoperative three-dimensional models were superimposed onto virtual plans to evaluate the accuracy of the system versus conventional filling methods. Additionally, procedure completion time was recorded to assess system efficiency relative to conventional methods.

RESULTS

The error in facial soft tissue defect reconstruction assisted by the system in Group A was 2.09 ± 0.56 mm, significantly lower than the 3.23 ± 1.15 mm observed with conventional methods in Group B (p < 0.05). Additionally, the time required for facial defect filling reconstruction using the system in Group A was 25.45 ± 2.58 min, markedly shorter than the 37.05 ± 3.34 min needed with conventional methods in Group B (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The visual navigation offered by the fat grafting AR guidance system presents obvious advantages in facial soft tissue defect reconstruction, facilitating enhanced precision and efficiency in these filling procedures.

Quantifying outcomes of autologous fat transplantation in different facial deformities: A systemic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Autologous fat transplantation has become a common treatment for facial deformities. However, facial deformities are the result of complex diseases with different causes, and there has been no review on the effectiveness of autologous fat transplantation for facial deformities of different aetiologies.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of the Web of Science, Embase, and Medline Ovid databases was performed up to December 2022. Two investigators independently performed screening and data extraction according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines, followed by a meta-analysis using random-effects model for surgeon and patient satisfaction, facial symmetry, and complication rates. Twelve-month postoperative fat graft retention was estimated by meta-regression.

RESULTS

Thirty-one studies met the criteria, including 13 case series studies, 14 cohort studies, and four randomized clinical trials, with a total of 1572 patients. Follow-up visits within 6-12 months were performed in most of the studies. The results of the meta-analysis showed high overall surgeon satisfaction of 97% (95% CI: 92%-100%) and patient satisfaction of 95% (95% CI: 89%-99%), with a low complication rate of 3.4% (95% CI: 1.9%-5.9%). At 12 months postoperatively, a lower retention rate of 43% (95% CI: 28%-58%) was estimated in cases of acquired atrophic deformities compared with 64% (95% CI: 57%-71%) in cases of mixed deformities. Overall, autologous fat transplantation improved facial symmetry by 13% (95% CI: 8.4%-18%).

CONCLUSION

Autologous fat transplantation is generally a safe and effective procedure that can compensate for facial volume deficits and improve facial symmetry but may be less effective in cases of acquired atrophic facial deformities.

Facial Fat Graft Injection Reduces Asymmetry and Improves Forehead Contour in Early Infancy Apert Syndrome Patients

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study is to report the outcomes of a modified comprehensive Apert syndrome surgical protocol in which fat injection was performed during early infancy concurrent with postposterior vault distraction osteogenesis (PVDO) distractor removal.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed on 40 consecutive young patients with Apert syndrome who underwent PVDO and subsequent distractor removal between 2012 and 2022. Of these 40 patients, 12 patients underwent facial fat injection concurrent with distractor removal to treat residual supraorbital bar recession as part of a modified comprehensive Apert syndrome surgical protocol. Preoperative and postoperative severity of recession and irregularity was graded from 1 to 3, with 1 being less severe and 3 being the most severe. Recession severity was correlated with the number and type of suture fusion. The complication rate was stratified via a Clavien-Dindo scale.

RESULTS

The average patient age was 14.3±5 months, with 5 males (41.6%) and 7 females (48.3%). The average hospital stay was 1.08 days. The average volume of free fat graft injection was 8.29±5 mL. According to the Likert scale, forehead morphology improved in 91.67% of the patients. Complete resolution of supraorbital bar recession was achieved in seven patients (58.33%), all of whom presenting a single suture synostosis. One patient with a cloverleaf skull presented a type IIIB complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Facial fat grafting markedly reduces forehead asymmetry and improves forehead contour in Apert syndrome patients following PVDO. Total resolution of forehead recession directly correlated with a single suture fusion.

A decade of clinical research on clinical characteristics, medical treatments, and surgical treatments for individuals with craniofacial microsomia: What have we learned?

AIM

This article provides a review of a decade of clinical research studies on clinical features, medical interventions, and surgical interventions for individuals with craniofacial microsomia (CFM). We also provide recommendations for future clinical research.

METHOD

A systematic search of literature was conducted in Embase and PubMed/MEDLINE Ovid. All publications from 2010 to 2020 that included at least 10 individuals with CFM were considered relevant for this study.

RESULTS

A total of 91 articles were included. In the past decade, many new studies on CFM have been published providing more insight on the diagnosis and management of patients with CFM. This review encompasses findings on the clinical difficulties patients with CFM encounter, including the craniofacial and extracraniofacial characteristics of patients with CFM and its related clinical consequences on breathing, feeding, speech, and hearing.

CONCLUSIONS

A considerable number of large multicenter studies have been published in recent years, providing new insights in the clinical consequences of CFM. The phenotypic variety between patients with CFM makes patient-specific treatment tailored to individual needs essential. The research and development of clinical care standards might be challenging because of the heterogeneity of CFM. Future research on clinical and patient-reported outcomes can help identify optimal treatment strategies. Cooperation between craniofacial centers, using uniform registration and outcome measurement tools, could enhance research and future care for these patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Isolated Fat Grafting for Reconstruction of Lower Face Volumetric Asymmetry in Skeletally Immature Patients: A Clinical Outcome Study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to assess the objective and subjective outcomes of lower face volumetric (contour) asymmetry correction with isolated fat grafting in skeletally immature patients.

METHODS

A prospective analysis was conducted of skeletally immature patients (n = 73) with craniofacial microsomia and Parry-Romberg syndrome who underwent isolated fat grafting (with no previous or concomitant bone surgery) using anatomical surgical principles (facial subunits and fat compartments) for the reconstruction of lower face volumetric asymmetry. Objective ultrasound and photogrammetric lower face symmetry analyses were blindly performed preoperatively and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. A panel assessment of blinded surgical professionals and laypersons was also obtained to grade the subjective lower face symmetry.

RESULTS

There were significant (all P < 0.05) postoperative objective and subjective lower face symmetry enhancements (preoperative < postoperative) after isolated fat grafting, with no differences (all P > 0.05) between 3 versus 12 months' postoperative comparisons.

CONCLUSIONS

Growing patients with unilateral lower face volumetric asymmetries presented with improvement of objective and subjective symmetry after a single isolated fat grafting procedure.

Long-Term Morphologic Changes on Sagittal Synostosis Patients Who Underwent a Modified Pi Technique

BACKGROUND

There are paucity of studies focused on the long-term assessment of the craniofacial changes after a pi-plasty procedure and self-reported quality of life outcomes. Thus, this study aimed to assess long-term morphologic changes and quality of life of patients with sagittal synostosis who underwent surgery with a modified pi-plasty.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with sagittal synostosis who underwent surgery and had more than 5 years of follow-up and standard preoperative and 1, 3, and 5 years right profile view photographs were included. Nasofrontal angle and angle of total facial convexity were evaluated using computerized photogrammetric measurements. Additionally, quality of life outcome was evaluated by the Quality of Life Scale Short Form.

RESULTS

The total facial convexity angle and nasofrontal angle increased significantly (P < 0.05), with a P-value of 0.013 and 0.012, respectively. Patients had quality of life scores >80 in all of the 4 domains, with the highest scores being: physical health domain 80.0 ± 0, psychologic domain 85.0 ± 5, social relationships domain 86.6 ± 0, and environmental domain 98.13 ± 2.42.

CONCLUSION

Facial angles significantly changed over 5 years of follow-up. Self-reported quality of life instrument showed that patients are satisfied with their own appearance, contributing positively to their quality of life.

Applications of Fat Grafting in Pediatric Patients

Autologous fat grafting has become a widely utilized technique for a variety of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Its potential for volume restoration and tissue regeneration has made it a popular method for treating soft tissue defects in both adult and pediatric populations. While autologous fat grafting in the pediatric setting is not as well characterized as it is in the adult setting, various reports have demonstrated the safety and utility of its applications in nonadult patient populations. In this article, we present the first comprehensive review of the current applications of autologous fat grafting in pediatric patients. Specific challenges to fat grafting in the pediatric setting and future applications will also be discussed.

Outcome of facial contour asymmetry after conventional two-dimensional versus computer-assisted three-dimensional planning in cleft orthognathic surgery

Computer-assisted 3D planning has overcome the limitations of conventional 2D planning-guided orthognathic surgery (OGS), but difference for facial contour asymmetry outcome has not been verified to date. This comparative study assessed the facial contour asymmetry outcome of consecutive patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate who underwent 2D planning (n = 37)- or 3D simulation (n = 38)-guided OGS treatment for correction of maxillary hypoplasia and skeletal Class III malocclusion between 2010 and 2018. Normal age-, gender-, and ethnicity-matched individuals (n = 60) were enrolled for comparative analyses. 2D (n = 60, with 30 images for each group) and 3D (n = 43, with 18 and 25 images for 2D planning and 3D simulation groups, respectively) photogrammetric-based facial contour asymmetry-related measurements were collected from patients and normal individuals. The facial asymmetry was further verified by using subjective perception of a panel composed of 6 blinded raters. On average, the facial contour asymmetry was significantly (all p < 0.05) reduced after 3D virtual surgery planning for all tested parameters, with no significant differences between post-OGS 3D simulation-related values and normal individuals. No significant differences were observed for pre- and post-OGS values in conventional 2D planning-based treatment, with significant (all p < 0.05) differences for all normal individuals-related comparisons. This study suggests that 3D planning presents superior facial contour asymmetry outcome than 2D planning.

Efficacy and Safety of Autologous Fat Transfer in Facial Reconstructive Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance

The use of autologous fat transfer (AFT) or lipofilling for correcting contour deformities is seen as one of the major breakthroughs in reconstructive plastic surgery. Its applications in facial reconstructive surgery have been of particular interest owing to the prospect of achieving autologous reconstruction by a minimally invasive approach. However, its unpredictability and variable degree of resorption have limited its utility and much skepticism still exists regarding its efficacy. Furthermore, more than 2 decades of clinical research have produced a highly fragmented body of evidence that has not been able to provide definite answers.

Objective

To investigate the safety and efficacy of AFT in facial reconstruction through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data Sources

A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to October 11, 2017.

Study Selection

All published studies investigating the efficacy and safety of AFT in facial reconstructive surgery.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Two independent reviewers performed data extraction systematically, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines. Summary measures were pooled in a random-effects model meta-analysis.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The patient and surgeon satisfaction, graft survival, number of AFT sessions, and the incidence of AFT-related complications were the main outcomes of interest in this meta-analysis.

Results

This systematic review resulted in the inclusion 52 relevant studies consisting of 1568 unique patients. These included 4 randomized clinical trials, 11 cohort studies, and 37 case series. The overall follow-up averaged 1.3 years after AFT. Meta-analysis revealed a very high overall patient satisfaction rate of 91.1% (95% CI, 85.1%-94.8%) and overall surgeon satisfaction rate of 88.6% (95% CI, 83.4%-92.4%). The number of AFT sessions required to achieve the desired result was 1.5 (95% CI, 1.3-1.7) and 50% to 60% of the injected volume was retained at 1 year. Only 4.8% (95% CI, 3.3%-6.9%) of procedures resulted in clinical complications.

Conclusions and Relevance

To our knowledge, this study provides the first overview of the current knowledge about AFT in facial reconstructive surgery. Our results confirm that AFT is an effective technique for treating soft-tissue deformities in the head and neck, with low rate of minor complications.

Level of Evidence

NA.

Fat Grafting in Managing Craniofacial Deformities

BACKGROUND

The successful correction of craniofacial contour deformities remains a major challenge in plastic surgery. This article reviews important concepts and strategies for craniofacial fat grafting and presents a SOBRAPAR Hospital algorithm focused on achieving craniofacial contour symmetry as early as possible without compromising function.

METHODS

Principle-based methods (i.e., anatomical facial fat compartments, fluid accommodation model, multistage site-specific craniofacial fat grafting, and structural fat-grafting technique) were itemized into an algorithm to aid in planning and selecting the best surgical approach (i.e., bone and/or soft tissue procedures) in order to obtain craniofacial contour symmetry.

RESULTS

The treatment plan and choice of surgical technique implemented to address bone and/or or soft tissue deformities were determined by specific diagnosis, patient age at presentation, and functional status. Bony reconstruction in skeletally immature patients is reserved solely for those patients with functional issues.

CONCLUSION

By adopting principle-based methods and fat compartment theory, we are able to achieve craniofacial contour symmetry and aesthetically pleasing outcomes without compromising function.

Identifying Three-Dimensional Facial Fluctuating Asymmetry in Normal Pediatric Individuals: A Panel Assessment Outcome Study of Clinicians and Observers

This study measured three-dimensional facial fluctuating asymmetry in 600 normal and healthy Taiwanese individuals (6 to 12 years old) and assessed the perceptions of increasing levels of facial fluctuating asymmetric severity by using a panel composed of 20 clinicians (surgical professionals), as well as 20 adult and 40 pre-adolescent observers. On average, this normal cohort presented a facial fluctuating asymmetry of 0.96 ± 0.52 mm, with 0.52 ± 0.05, 0.67 ± 0.09, 1.01 ± 0.10, and 1.71 ± 0.36 mm for levels I, II, III, and IV of severity, respectively. For all categories of raters, significant differences in the average symmetry-asymmetry scale values were observed, with level I < level II < level III = level IV (all p < 0.01, except for level III vs. IV comparisons with p > 0.05). For level I, pre-adolescent observers presented a significantly (p < 0.05) higher symmetry-asymmetry scale value than adult observers, with no significant (all p > 0.05) differences for other comparisons. For overall facial asymmetry and levels II, III, and IV, no significant (all p > 0.05) differences were observed. This study reveals that the normal pediatric face is asymmetric and the panel assessment of facial fluctuating asymmetry was influenced by the level of severity and the category of raters and contributes to the literature by revealing that pre-adolescent raters present a similar or higher perception of facial asymmetry than adult raters.

Autologous Free Fat Grafting for Management of the Facial Contour Asymmetry

BACKGROUND

The purposes of this study were to report autologous free fat grafting as the workhorse procedure to augment the facial soft-tissue envelope and restore facial contour symmetry of patients with asymmetric facial malformations; to detail the SOBRAPAR Hospital algorithm for soft-tissue reconstruction of patients with facial contour asymmetry; and to assess facial symmetry after fat grafting.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients (n = 178) who underwent fat grafting to restore the facial contour symmetry according to the SOBRAPAR Hospital algorithm between 2009 and 2016 was conducted. Computerized photogrammetric quantitative and qualitative facial symmetry analyses were performed.

RESULTS

There were significant (all P < 0.05) postoperative quantitative facial symmetry enhancement and an overall qualitative facial symmetry enhancement, with a mean fat graft procedures per patient of 1.6 ± 0.7, ranging of 1 to 3.

CONCLUSION

A significant improvement of facial contour symmetry was obtained in a subset of patients using fat grafting according to the SOBRAPAR Hospital algorithm.

Matthews device arthroplasty presents superior long-term mouth opening than interpositional arthroplasty in the management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to describe the surgical outcomes of a single-institution experience in the surgical management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis, comparing interpositional arthroplasty with autogenous tissue and Matthews device arthroplasty.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of temporomandibular joint ankylosis patients (n = 15), who underwent interpositional arthroplasty or Matthews device arthroplasty, was conducted. The surgical outcomes (preoperative, recent [4-6 weeks], intermediate [1 year], and late [3 years] postoperative maximal incisal opening, hospital stay, and complication, relapse, and reoperation rates) were compared.

RESULTS

Significant (all p < 0.05) differences were recorded in temporomandibular joint ankylosis patients treated with interpositional arthroplasty with autogenous tissue (53.3%) versus Matthews device arthroplasty (46.7%) according to intermediate (25 ± 7 vs. 34 ± 5 mm) and late (19 ± 8 vs. 33 ± 5 mm) postoperative maximal incisal opening, intermediate (31% vs. 7%) and late (47% vs. 12%) postoperative relapse, and reoperation rate (38% vs. 0%). There was similarity (all p > 0.05) in preoperative (4.8 ± 2.9 vs. 4.9 ± 2.9 mm) and recent (35 ± 4 vs. 37 ± 4 mm) postoperative maximal incisal opening, hospital stay (3.5 ± 0.8 vs. 3.6 ± 0.8 days), and surgery-related complications (13% vs. 14%).

CONCLUSION

Both surgical procedures evaluated were successful in initial management of temporomandibular joint ankylosis, but the Matthews device arthroplasty avoided postoperative relapse.

Progressive frontal morphology changes during the first year of a modified Pi procedure for scaphocephaly

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to quantify the changes in frontal morphology in patients with scaphocephaly treated with a modified Pi procedure.

METHODS

Consecutive scaphocephalic patients (n = 13) who underwent surgery before 12 months of age that had more than 1 year of follow-up and standard preoperative, 3-month, and 1-year photographs were included. Anthropometric measurements were used to document the craniofacial index. Computerized photogrammetric analyses of five craniofacial angles (bossing angle, nasofrontal angle, angle of facial convexity, and angle of total facial convexity) were also performed.

RESULTS

Comparisons of the preoperative and postoperative direct anthropometric measurements of the cephalic index showed a significant (all p < 0.05) increase in the postoperative period, with no significant differences in early versus late postoperative period comparisons. Comparisons of the preoperative and postoperative computerized photogrammetric measurements of the craniofacial angles showed a significant (all p < 0.05) reduction (bossing angle, angle of facial convexity, and angle of total facial convexity) and increase (nasofrontal angle) in the early and late postoperative periods.

CONCLUSIONS

Frontal morphology significantly changed over the first year of the modified Pi procedure.