Autologous fat grafting in lip reconstruction following hemangioma treatment

Autologous fat grafting has been successfully used in lip cosmetic surgery. However, little supportive evidence exists for its use in lip reconstruction following hemangioma treatment. Patients with lip deformity following hemangioma treatment at the Plastic Surgery Hospital in Beijing between September 2010 and July 2012 were retrospectively investigated. Twelve patients underwent autologous fat grafting. Aesthetic appearance and texture and volume persistence of the graft were measured preoperatively and postoperatively, and the presence of infection and hematoma was recorded. After a series of 3 to 4 injections and a mean 24 months of follow-up, all 12 patients were satisfied with their aesthetic appearance and the texture and volume persistence of the graft. There were no complications such as infection or hematoma. The current study demonstrates that autologous fat transplantation is a viable option for correction of lip deformities. It is beneficial not only for correction of the tissue defect themselves, but also in terms of its effect on surrounding tissues and its long-lasting results without major complications in the management of this difficult problem.