Lipograft in cicatricial ectropion

AIM: Cicatricial ectropion is secondary to an excessive scar contraction after trauma, burns, skin conditions, scarring skin tumours, medication, allergies, blepharoplasty complications. The estimates for ectropion incidence following removal of eyelid lesions have been reported as varying from 2.5% to 7%. A variety of surgical techniques can be applied to achieve the correct shape and position of lower lid. Fat grafts in association with other technique are commonly used in orbital reconstruction in a variety of procedures 8 including of the correction of cicatricial ectropion. MATERIAL OF STUDY: The Authors propose the use of fat graft as only procedure for the correction of cicatricial lower eyelid ectropion. Two male patients with cicatricial ectropion were treated with this technique in two time and followed for 12 months. RESULTS: Lipofilling for cicatricial eyelid ectropion give excellent outcomes, with release of the scar without recurrence. DISCUSSION: Autologous fat grafting has many clinical applications, and its use in Plastic Surgery is increasing: The key point is the presence into fat of Adipose stem cells (ASCs), that have been identified as an ideal source of cells for regenerative medicine, with potential and rapid improvement of healing process and complete recovery of tissue integrity after surgery to confirm the regenerative effect of fat graft. CONCLUSION: Lipografting can be considered a safe and effective alternative procedure.