Outcomes Following Autologous Fat Grafting in Patients with Sequelae of Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

In recent years, there have been relevant advances in the use of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy for the treatment of malignant tumors of the head and neck. Extensive tumor resection and radical radiotherapy frequently result in altered form and function of orofacial structures that can severely impact the patient's quality of life. This study reports the benefits obtained with the injection of autologous fat to correct the deformities and improve functionality in a series of 40 patients who have been treated for head and neck cancer. Esthetic improvement was obtained in 77.5% of patients and functional improvement in 89.2%. In addition, there was a high degree of satisfaction regarding esthetic improvement and 92.5% of patients would recommend the procedure to other patients in the same situation. The injection of autologous fat is an effective procedure for the management of sequelae of head and neck cancer treatment. A single-center retrospective study was designed to assess the outcomes of autologous fat grafting for improving surgery- and radiotherapy-related sequelae in 40 patients with head and neck cancer. All patients underwent surgical resection of primary tumors and radiotherapy (50-70 Gy) and were followed over 12 months after fat grafting. Eligibility for fat grafting procedures included complete remission after at least 3 years of oncological treatment. The cervical and paramandibular regions were the most frequently treated areas. Injected fat volumes ranged between 7.5 and 120 mL (mean: 23 mL). Esthetic improvement was obtained in 77.5% of patients, being significant in 17.5%, and functional improvement in 89.2%, being significant in 29.7% of patients. Minor complications occurred in three patients. There was a high degree of satisfaction regarding esthetic improvement, global satisfaction, and 92.5% of patients would recommend the procedure. This study confirms the benefits of fat grafting as a volumetric correction reconstructive strategy with successful cosmetic and functional outcomes in patients suffering from sequelae after head and neck cancer treatment.