FREE FAT TRANSPLANTATION IN THE FACE

Several operative procedures have been described for correction of sof t tissue defects in the face. Free fat transplantation has been critic ised many times. In a twelve-year period, we have carried out 19 free fat transfers from the gluteal fold, of a size ranging from the palm o f a child's hand to the size of an adult hand. Follow-up has been poss ible in 12 patients with 14 such transfers. Initially. grafts tended t o be too large and subsequent fat reduction was required. It is appare nt that the tendency to resorption of non-vascularised fat can only be estimated to a limited extent. Ultrasound examination in the course o f long-term follow-up showed structural changes within the grafts but none was particularly striking. The fat has a good consistency on palp ation particularly for the cheeks and remains in situ after healing. T his technique still has a role in suitable cases.