Lipotransfer as an adjunct in head and neck reconstruction

Objectives: To present our technique of lipotransfer and to evaluate a single center's experience in the use of lipotransfer as an adjunct to head and neck reconstruction. Study Design: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing lipotransfer over a 5-year period by the senior author was undertaken. A total of 23 patients with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were available for analysis. Methods: Patient records were retrospectively reviewed to assess functional (in the case of palate augmentation) and esthetic outcomes. Results: Twenty-three patients undergoing lipotransfer as part of their reconstructive effort included (1) eight patients undergoing temporal fossa augmentation following temporalis muscle flap reconstruction for extirpative skull base surgery, (2) six patients undergoing facial defect augmentation following traumatic atrophy, (3) three patients undergoing palatal augmentation for correction of velopharyngeal insufficiency, and (4) six patients undergoing soft tissue augmentation following flap reconstruction of the face. Twenty of the 23 patients had excellent maintenance of graft volume. An adequately vascularized. recipient bed appears to be an important factor in determining ultimate graft survival using our technique. Conclusions: Lipotransfer of the head and neck represents a simple, effective adjunctive technique providing for large amounts of readily available, well-tolerated soft tissue filler material. Patient selection is important, specifically in regard to determining that there is adequate vascularity of the recipient bed.