Quantitative and qualitative dermal change with microfat grafting of facial scars

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Objective To evaluate changes in dermal characteristics with subdermal fat grafting of cutaneous scars. Design Prospective cohort. Methods Fourteen patients with various scar types were treated with subdermal fat grafting over 30 months. Dermal elasticity, vascularity, pigmentation, patient perception and satisfaction, and observer assessment of scar characteristics were evaluated preoperatively and 1 year after treatment with validated objective and subjective measures. Results Significant improvements were observed in dermal elasticity, patient and observer perception of scar thickness, patient perception of stiffness, and observer perception of relief and pliability (P 0.1). No significant difference in pain, pruritus, and irregularity were reported (P > 0.1). Conclusion Although fat grafting represents a subdermal process, it appears to improve certain quantitative and qualitative dermal characteristics. Fat grafting does not appear to affect skin color, vascularity, or patient symptoms.

Evidence level

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

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