The Effect of Autologous Fat Grafting on Edema and Ecchymoses in Primary Open Rhinoplasty. (14th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gabrick, Kyle; Walker, Marc; Timberlake, Andrew; Chouairi, Fouad; Saberski, Ean; Steinbacher, Derek
• Is Part Of: Aesthetic surgery journal. Volume 40:Number 4(2020)
• Page Start: 359
• Page End: 366
• Publication Date: 2019-03-14
• Subjects: Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; 617.95
• DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjz075
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1090-820X

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Autologous fat is a safe and effective soft tissue filler. Recent evidence also suggests improved wound healing and immune modulation with fat grafting. Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe a novel technique utilizing fat grafting during primary open rhinoplasty. We hypothesize a more rapid resolution of bruising and edema. Methods: Patients who underwent rhinoplasty were reviewed and compared by presence or absence of concurrent fat grafting. Three-dimensional images were analyzed employing Mirror (Vectra, Canfield Scientific, NJ). Ecchymoses were outlined utilizing a magnetic lasso followed by an area measurement. Volumetric edema measurements were also taken and assessed. Edema and ecchymosis were measured at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. Results: Sixty-two patients were included. Thirty-three patients (53.2%) received autologous fat grafting and 29 (46.8%) did not. Age, gender, surgical approach, and osteotomy distribution were similar between the groups. The fat grafted group showed 7.29 cm 2 fewer ecchymoses ( P < 0.001) and 0.73 cc less edema ( P = 0.68) in the early postoperative interval. Six weeks postoperatively, the fat grafted group showed 1 cc less edema ( P = 0.36) with negligible differences in bruising. Conclusions: Autologous fat grafting is a useful adjunct to rhinoplasty and is associated with significantly fewer ecchymoses in the acute postoperative period. Level of Evidence: 4: