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Correction of whistle deformity using autologous free fat grafting: first results of a pilot study and review of the literature

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Abstract

Purpose

Whistle deformities are frequent sequelae after surgical correction of cleft lip, trauma, or tumor excision. The aim of this study was to examine the role of autologous free fat grafting in the reconstruction of whistle deformity.

Patients

Fifteen patients with whistle deformity were enrolled in this pilot study. The mean follow-up period was 19 months. Liposuction was done followed by the replantation of an average of 2.2 ml autologous fat per patient (range 0.7–4 ml). An overcorrection was performed in all patients.

Results

All the patients showed improvements in whistle deformity. The mean resorption rate was 53% (range 30–80%). Three patients (20%) were not satisfied with the postoperative result. Six complications were assessed (4× feeling of pressure [27%], one hematoma [7%], one recurrent pain [7%]), but a major complication did not occur.

Review

We also present a review of the literature with different techniques that were described in the last 20 years.

Conclusion

Autologous free fat graftings for reconstruction of whistle deformity represent a reliable method with a low complication rate. However, the resorption rate is unpredictable. If necessary, several autologous fat transplantations should be conducted at an interval of at least 6 months.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Essen, Kliniken-Essen-Mitte, Henricistr. 92, 45136, Essen, Germany

    Sven Holger Baum, Gunnar Rieger, Roman Pförtner & Christopher Mohr

Authors
  1. Sven Holger Baum
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  2. Gunnar Rieger
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  3. Roman Pförtner
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  4. Christopher Mohr
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Correspondence to Sven Holger Baum.

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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

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Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

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Baum, S.H., Rieger, G., Pförtner, R. et al. Correction of whistle deformity using autologous free fat grafting: first results of a pilot study and review of the literature. Oral Maxillofac Surg 21, 409–418 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10006-017-0648-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10006-017-0648-8

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