Acellular Dermis for Facial Soft Tissue Augmentation

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of acellular dermis as a viable alternative for soft tissue augmentation in facial reconstruction.

Design

A prospective, nonrandomized observational study consisting of 10 patients who underwent soft tissue augmentation with acellular dermis.

Setting

A tertiary care university medical center in an urban setting.

Patients

Ten patients who had undergone soft tissue augmentation using acellular dermis participated in this study. Postimplantation follow-up was 17 to 36 months.

Intervention

The amount and location for placement of the acellular dermis was left to the discretion of the surgeon. All implants were placed in the subdermal tissues.

Main Outcome Measures

The adequacy of acellular dermis for soft tissue augmentation was assessed by subjective evaluation of implant volume persistence, postoperative complications, and the restoration of normal contour.

Results

Of 10 patients who underwent implantation, 9 had no complications and 1 had a recurrent sterile abscess or mucocele at the implantation site. A 22-month postimplantation tissue sampling of acellular dermis in a patient with recurrent tumor revealed approximately 80% to 85% volume persistence.

Conclusion

Preliminary experience with acellular dermis indicates that it shows promise in soft tissue augmentation.