Microfat Grafting in Nasal Surgery.

BACKGROUND

Injectable fillers are sometimes necessary to correct slight skin irregularities. However, there have been reports of necrosis after injection of alloplastic materials and heterogeneous transplants. On the other hand, the advantages of autogenous tissue grafts over those fillers are well established. Volumetric reshaping of the face with autologous tissue injection is a popular and reliable method with good long-term results. However, procedures performed on the fragile skin of the nose are prone to complications.

OBJECTIVES

The author conducted a study of injectable autologous microfat grafting to the nose in patients with secondary nasal deformities.

METHODS

During a 5-year period, 313 patients who had secondary nasal deformities with slight skin irregularities or severe nasal skin damage were treated with microfat grafting. At each patient's first injection session, excess harvested fat was cryopreserved for subsequent injection. To correct minor irregularities, 0.3 to 0.8 mL of microfat was injected during each session; for major irregularities or defects, 1 to 6 mL was required for each session.

RESULTS

One to 3 injections of microfat provided satisfactory results in all patients who had minor irregularities. For patients with multiple and severe irregularities, 3 to 6 injections were necessary and resulted in high patient satisfaction. In another group of patients, with severe traumatic skin damage, 6 to 16 injections were necessary for reconstruction. After repeated injections, each patient's skin damage was repaired.

CONCLUSIONS

Autologous microfat injection appears to be safe and effective for correcting slight irregularities of the nose.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.