Treatment of depressed scars with a dissecting cannula and an autologous fat graft

Contemporary options for the improvement of depressed scars include scar re vision with an elliptical excision, z-plasty, w-plasty, and geometric broke n-line closure. Dermabrasion and laser treatment has been used to obtain a uniform skin surface. When scars are hypertrophic, intralesional steroids a nd silicone pressure therapy may be useful. Occasionally, scars may be adhe rent to the underlying fascia. The resulting depression along the length of the scar worsens the aesthetic deformity. Fat injection is an established method for treating depressions and contour deformities. We report encourag ing results with the use of this fat injection technique into a pocket made with a sharp cannula in treating 30 patients with postsurgical scars that were depressed and adherent to the underlying fascia. This technique is a u seful addition to the surgeon's resources when treating scars.