BACKGROUND

Once an early-stage immature scar develops into a hypertrophic scar, it is difficult to achieve satisfactory improvement with existing treatments. Therefore, the prevention of hypertrophic scar formation should be given priority. Fat grafting was previously proven to be an effective treatment for mature scars, but it has not been used in the early-stages of (less than three months) scar formation.

OBJECTIVES

We present our experience with the use of combined grafting of macro fat and emulsified fat for prevention of hypertrophic scar formation in patients.

METHODS

Thirty-five patients who received fat grafting for facial scar repair were included as a treatment group and another 35 patients without particular interventions were classified as the control group. Patients in both groups were followed up every three months during one year, and the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) was used for evaluation of the clinical outcomes at baseline (within one to three months after trauma, burn or surgery) and after 12 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

All patients in the treatment group achieved a marked improvement after their first fat grafting procedure. Thirteen patients (37.1%) underwent the second procedure and seven (20%) underwent the third procedure. Statistical analysis of average VSS score also showed significant differences between the treatment and control groups.

CONCLUSION

The results of this retrospective study suggest that treatment of immature scars with combined grafting of macro fat and emulsified fat can successfully prevent the formation of hypertrophic scars.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

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