Since Coleman et al. in 1991 reported on lipofilling, numerous applications have been reported; these include but are not limited to contour restoration, lip augmentation, and wrinkle therapy. There has also been some one off reported improvements in scars following autologous lipofilling. This paper is a prospective clinical evaluation of 26 patients with 35 scars on the face treated with autologous lipofilling between 2008 and 2012. The most common cause of the scars was trauma and surgical excision of nevus and acne. Scars caused by resection of malignant tumours were excluded. Standardised preoperative and postoperative assessments were used to assess success, patient and observer scar (POSAS), photographs and laser Doppler spectrometry of oxygen saturation (to assess the micro circulation). Postoperatively patients were followed up at one, three, six, and 12 months. Scar quality was improved in all cases with a high patient satisfaction. There was also an increase in the postoperative haemoglobin levels in the scar area. While this is a limited number of cases and the authors concede further studies are necessary this is a valuable method to add to facial surgeons’ armamentarium. Any technique to improve facial scars is always welcome in the facial surgeon’s practice.
Lipofilling for scar improvement
Reviewed by Sunil Kumar Bhatia
Improvement of facial scar appearance and microcirculation by autologous lipofilling.
