Lipogems® Shows Promise for Better Jaw Surgery Recovery

Study Finds Less Swelling and Pain After Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery corrects jaw misalignment and facial imbalances. While this procedure reshapes the bone structure, it doesn't address soft tissue volume. Researchers in Italy explored whether adding Lipogems® fat grafting could improve both healing and aesthetic results.

This case series followed 120 patients who received Lipogems® micro-fragmented fat tissue during their double jaw surgery. The medical team tracked results at one day, one week, and then at one, six, and twelve months after surgery.

All 120 Patients Achieved Good Results With No Complications

The results were encouraging. Every patient in the study achieved satisfactory outcomes at the twelve-month follow-up. No one experienced complications from the Lipogems® addition to their jaw surgery.

The researchers compared these patients to their previous experience with over 900 similar patients. Those earlier patients had received different fat grafting methods between 2001 and 2010. The comparison, while informal, suggested meaningful improvements with the newer Lipogems® approach.

Unexpected Benefits: Reduced Swelling and Less Pain

Perhaps the most surprising finding was how patients felt immediately after surgery. The medical team—including doctors and nurses—noticed that patients experienced:

• Much less swelling than usual in the first day and week

• Less postoperative pain than expected

• Faster visible recovery

While the study did not measure these improvements with formal tools, the clinical observations were consistent across the patient group. The researchers believe this anti-inflammatory effect may come from natural healing substances released by cells within the micro-fragmented fat tissue.

Long-Term Results Showed Lasting Improvements

At the six and twelve-month checkpoints, patients showed additional benefits compared to earlier methods:

• Minimal fat reabsorption: The transplanted tissue maintained its volume well over time

• No irregularities: Patients avoided the bumpy or uneven texture sometimes seen with older techniques

• No hardening: The grafted areas remained soft and natural-feeling

• Enhanced skin texture: Both facial shape and skin quality improved

The percentage of patients rating themselves as "very satisfied" was higher than in previous patient groups, though researchers noted it was difficult to attribute this entirely to the Lipogems® technique.

Simpler Technique Produces More Consistent Outcomes

Traditional fat grafting can be challenging to perform well. Earlier methods sometimes caused fat lumps, unpredictable shrinkage, and minor asymmetries. These drawbacks limited how often surgeons used fat grafting—only about eight percent of patients received it between 2001 and 2008.

The Lipogems® system processes fat tissue into very small, uniform clusters. This micro-fragmented fat spreads evenly throughout the tissue, filling spaces smoothly without creating lumps. The closed, single-use device also standardizes the procedure, making results more predictable.

By 2011, this technique had become the research team's preferred approach for all orthognathic surgery patients.

What This Means for Your Treatment Decision

This study suggests that Lipogems® may offer real advantages for patients undergoing jaw surgery. The combination of improved aesthetics, reduced recovery discomfort, and zero complications is promising.

However, keep these points in mind:

• This was a case series, not a controlled trial comparing treatments directly

• Swelling and pain reductions were observed clinically but not measured with standardized tools

• Results came from a single surgical center with experienced practitioners

• Your individual results may vary based on your specific condition

If you're considering orthognathic surgery, ask your surgeon whether Lipogems® fat grafting might benefit your procedure. The technique uses your own body's fat tissue, processed to preserve its natural healing properties. This approach appears to support both better healing and improved long-term facial contours.

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Source: Raffaini et al., CellR4, 2014.