Early Autologous Fat Grafting for Facial Lipoatrophy Caused by Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease.

Abstract

A variety of autoimmune disorders that do not fit the criteria for specific connective tissue diseases are included in the category of undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD). Facial lipoatrophy is an underreported presenting characteristic, despite the prevalence of cutaneous symptoms. The aim of this article is to demistrate the potential of early autologous fat grafting (AFG) in treating facial depressions caused by UCTD. A 29-year-old woman with UCTD presented with progressive bilateral cheek depressions and was managed with tacrolimus lately. Sheet-like depressions can be found during physical examination, which are more pronounced on the left cheek. The patient underwent AFG surgery to the affected areas. During the surgery, a total of 30 mL of fat was harvested from the lower abdomen, and 5.0 mL of pure fat was eventually gained and grafted to the bilateral cheek depressions. Satisfying aesthetic outcomes were achieved with smooth facial contours. Through the use of adipose-derived stem cells, early AFG in the active stage of UCTD can enhance face appearance while also possibly having local anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic benefits. It also has important implications for improving the look and slowing the progression of other autoimmune diseases that affect the face.