Abstract: Fat Graft Retention in Pedal Fat Grafting: Association with CD34+ Adipose Stem Cells and Collagen

INTRODUCTION: There has been an increasing interest in the applications of three-dimensional (3D) printing in plastic surgery.1,2 A physical 3D model provides visualization of complex defects that supersede digital imaging and can be used as a template for preoperative planning and surgical education.3,4With the advent of affordable quality and reliable printers, office-based 3D printing has become possible. We describe our experience with office-based 3D printing in the management of comminuted mandible fractures. The distorted topography of the bony surface and instability of fracture fragments can lead to suboptimal reduction, and shaping of the plate to contour the fracture can be challenging in the operating room. We used a 3D printed model of the patient’s mandible to bend plates preoperatively in order to achieve an ideal plate shape and thus optimum bony reduction.