OUTCOME IN PATIENTS WITH FACIAL BURN HYPERPIGMENTATION AND SCARS BEING TREATED WITH NANOFAT GRAFT

Abstract

Background: Facial burn scars and hyperpigmentation can be considered as long-term consequences of burns, and these can have a significant impact on their aesthetic appearance, psychological wellbeing, and quality of life. The results of conventional therapeutic approaches can be inconsistent, which makes it important to develop efficient regeneration therapies. Nanofat grafting has been proven to be a possibility with enhancing regeneration and scar properties as well as pigmentation abnormalities.

Objective: To determine the outcome of nanofat grafting in patients with facial burn hyperpigmentation and scars.

Methods: This descriptive study was done in Department of Plastic Surgery, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar during 6 months. Patients aged 15-70 years with post-burn scars with hyper pigmentation of the face were included in the study using non-probability consecutive sampling technique, totaling 110 patients. Nanofat was collected, treated and injected into the facial area that was affected. The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), hyperpigmentation, and scar appearance, patient satisfaction scores, and adverse event reporting were used to measure outcomes six months after the intervention.

Results: The scar quality and pigmentation were improved significantly after nanofat grafting. The median VSS score decreased from 9 to 4. 72.7% of patients had significant improvement or complete resolution of hyperpigmentation and 76.4% had significant improvement in scar appearance. 67.3% of respondents stated that they were satisfied with the patient satisfaction. The only minor transient complications observed were none with major adverse events reported.

Conclusion: The study findings indicate that nanofat grafting can be a safe and effective treatment for scars and hyperpigmentation resulting from a burn in the face area, with improved scar quality, hyperpigmentation and patient satisfaction, and minimal complications