Microlipoinjection for the elevation of depressed full-thickness skin grafts on the nose.
BACKGROUND
Full-thickness skin grafts on the dorsum of the nose may heal depressed and might benefit from elevation. Microlipoinjection has been used to elevate depressed tissue; however, the long-term persistence of the augmentation is questioned.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether microlipoinjection beneath depressed full-thickness grafts on the dorsum of the nose can provide effective and persistent graft elevation.


METHODS
Microlipoinjection was performed at one to three sessions under depressed full-thickness skin grafts on the nose of four patients. Their appearance was assessed clinically and photographically for the amount of correction at their last postmicrolipoinjection visit.


RESULTS
All four patients had clinically significant elevation of their full-thickness skin graft. In the two patients followed for over 3 years, significant augmentation persisted.


CONCLUSIONS
Microlipoinjection can provide cosmetically useful soft tissue augmentation under depressed full-thickness skin grafts; this augmentation can persist.
Hambley
R M
RM
Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Carruthers
J A
JA
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000637:transplantation*; D000368:Aged; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008845:Microinjections; D008875:Middle Aged; D009666:Nose / Q000601:surgery*; D009667:Nose Deformities, Acquired / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D009669:Nose Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*