Does the Autologous Fat Grafting Technique Serve the Need for Reconstructive Surgery in Oral Cancer Patients? A Prospective Evaluation in Beauty Seekers

Abstract

Cancer is a dreadful disease that getting increased day by day. In which oral cancer majorly induced by tobacco has caused a devastating effect on facial look. Even though several advancements in medicine have paved the way for understanding the cancer molecular troops, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy has become inevitable procedure for cancer therapy. These procedures remove the tumor but tremendously change the aesthetic look of the patients thereby affecting the physical and mental health of patients. Autologous fat grafting (AFG), also known as lipofilling is a soft tissue augmentation technique, that is widely employed in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery to achieve facial rejuvenation and body shape remodelling. AFG is known for its biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, allergenicity with the advantage of wound healing properties. By taking accord of the advantage of AFG we have assessed the effect of autologous fat in the facial space and the occurrence of postoperative complications in a comparative way before and after the surgery in beauty seekers. Further patient satisfaction and potential complications after the autologous fat filling in different spots of the facial space were investigated by clinical evaluations, patient-reported outcomes, and photographic assessments. The outcome of the experiment has warranted 100% patient satisfaction in terms of improved facial contour, skin glossiness, skin elasticity, ptosis, and facial depression. The overall satisfaction rate for both surgeons and patients was above 80%. Based on the experimental evidence, we have postulated the advantage of utilizing the AFG technique as a reconstructive procedure for oral cancer patients after cancer treatment. This will uplift the aesthetic physical appearance thereby boosting the patient's mental health and confidence.