Modified Colson flap with subcutaneous liposuction for one-stage donor site removal: A case series.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional and cosmetic results of an innovative procedure for modified Colson flap-graft consisting of immediate defatting of the flap by a liposuction cannula. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed among patients with deep hand burns requiring a modified Colson flap between 2018 and 2021. Outcomes included functional and cosmetic assessment of the hand through a quality-of-life questionnaire, a sensitivity scale and a scar assessment scale. RESULTS: During this period, 7 patients were operated on using our technique. One patient was lost to follow-up; 7 patients with a median age of 44 years were included, with a total of 10 burned hands. The burns were thermal in 5 out of 7 cases and the coverage concerned the whole hand in 50% of the cases. The flaps all received cannula defatting. The median time to flap weaning was 23 days (20 to 30 days). The median follow-up was 16 months. One case required remote flap weaning. The median POSAS (Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale) per patient was 4 and 2 per observer. The median BMRCSS (British Medical Research Council Sensory Scale) was 122. One case had recovered S2 sensitivity, the other cases had S3 or S4 sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Immediate defatting is one of the factors in tegumental quality allowing rapid functional recovery of the hand. The cannula defatting technique does not appear to require additional defatting time. The use of the liposuction cannula allows a one-step, homogeneous, and easier defatting, with a lower risk of devascularization.

Complications of fat grafts growth after weight gain: report of a severe diplopia.

A 47 years old woman underwent autologous fat grafting to treat a 5×4 cm depression of the lower lid and the upper cheek secondary resection of squamous cell carcinoma and subsequent coverage by full thickness skin graft. 20 mL of autologous fat were harvested from lower abdomen, centrifuged and injected subcutaneously. The patient then gained a total of 15 kg over a period of 24 months. Eye dystopia developed while the grafted area became convex. MRI confirmed subcutaneous fat mass going to the orbital floor through the inferior septal defect. The fat excess was removed through a trans-conjonctival approach allowing for a progressive regression of diplopia after 2 months while the oedema reduced. The overall follow up from the resection-coverage and last examination was 5 years. In this case with a context of noticeable weight gain, the growth of a fat graft trapped between a sclerous plane and the eye, that penetrated the orbital cavity through a septal defect led have led to exophthalmos, ocular dystopia and diplopia. Systematic overcorrection in autologous fat grafting should be prevented, especially in functional areas and on low body mass index patient that might gain weight.