The Reactivation of Scleroderma After Autologous Fat Grafting

Abstract

Background: Patients with localized scleroderma (LS) often have to seek plastic surgery to improve facial esthetic impairment. Aims: The authors reported a case of the reactivation of LS after autologous fat grafting (AFG). Patient: A man presented with facial atrophy and skin fibrosis on the cheek with a history of LS. The disease had remained stable for 9 years and he was suggested to stop oral medication. With irreversible esthetic impairment on the face, he sought plastic surgery for improvement. He underwent twice AFG into the right cheek with about 60 mL fat graft each. The donor sites were the abdomen and both thighs. Results: Six months after the last AFG, the patient found new lesions occur on the lateral forehead. The patient was later diagnosed with reactivation of LS. Conclusion: The understanding of the surgical risk and perioperative management for patients with LS needs more research.