The role of fat grafting in treatment of radiation-induced damage of soft tissues

Despite of radiation-induced damage of soft tissue is not very frequent condition, treatment of radiolesions is considered to be a challenging problem. In recent 6 years effectiveness of fat grafting for treatment of late side effects of radiation therapy on soft tissues has been shown in clinical practice. Nevertheless, the role of fatty tissue transplantation among other existed methods has not defined yet. Based on our experience we have distinguished three primary indications for applying fat grafting for treatment of radiation-induced damage of soft tissues. First, patients with unresectable radiolesions, when conventional surgical approach cannot be applied. Second, patients with grade 1-2 (LENT SOMA scale) radiation damage of soft tissues with progressive worsening, when surgical excision is not indicated so far but conservative treatment is not effective. Third, radiodamaged tissues are located on aesthetic anatomic sites.