Fat grafting for the treatment of radiodermatitis after treatment of head and neck cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Although treatment of head and neck cancer has evolved in recent years, it is still a challenge to preserve and restore facial symmetry afterward; this fact significantly compromises the quality of life of patients. In reconstructive surgery, autologous fat grafting has been used to treat volume and contour defects. The objective is to review the effects of fat grafting in patients with radiodermatitis due to head and neck cancer radiotherapy treatment. Methods: Literature review in PubMed and SciELO databases, looking for studies published in the last 20 years in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. The descriptors “adipose tissue”, “transplantation”, “neoplasms”, “head and neck neoplasms” and “radiotherapy” and the non-descriptive terms “fat grafting”, “fat transplantation” and “fat graft” were used. Results: Of 212 articles found, only seven complied with the eligibility criteria. Conclusion: The review suggests that fat grafting in head and neck cancer reconstruction is a safe treatment and optimizes aesthetic and functional results. Prospective studies are lacking for a better definition of techniques and results.