THE FAT PAD IN DERMIS FAT GRAFTS

Background: Dermis fat grafts are used in orbital reconstruction in a variety of procedures. However, there have been few controlled studies testing their effectiveness. This is a prospective study on 40 patien ts. Methods: Primary and secondary orbital dermis fat grafts were eval uated with regard to the long-term cosmetic results of two thicknesses , 10 and 20 mm, of fat pad, keeping all other parameters as constant a s possible. Adequacy of the socket, lid anomalies, superior sulcus def ormity, exophthalmometry, and motility of the prosthesis were assessed periodically. Conclusion: There was a significantly lower incidence o f enophthalmos and superior sulcus deformity with the use of a fat pad thickness of 20 mm, without any compromise in the motility of the pro sthesis or take of the graft.