Volumetric estimation of autologous fat for augmentation of contour defects of face

Abstract

Autologous fat transfer for correcting contour defects of face has gained wide popularity in aesthetic surgery. However, quantification of fat requirement and its survival is still a fertile area for research to improve the predictability of volume retention of injected fat. There have been no detailed studies of the calculation for the amount of fat to be injected and percentage of fat retained. The objective of this study was to quantify the amount of fat required for correcting a facial deformity and amount retained postoperatively over a period of 6 months. Thirty patients were recruited in a prospective study where in, the fat requirement for augmenting the soft tissue defect was assessed using USG preoperatively and followed up at 1, 3 and 6 months by the same technique. It was found that USG is a simple, objective, reliable, cost-effective method of assessing the fat requirement and retention in autologous fat transfer.