Use of small needle knife in autologous fat grafting for the treatment of depressed scar

RATIONALE Scars always related to functional limitations, cosmetic impairment, and social and emotional problems. Clinical improvements in scar characteristics after autologous fat grafting are well described. In this paper, we present an innovative approach to treat depressed scars. PATIENT CONCERNS We presented a 29-year-old woman with multiple depressed scars in the left upper arm and near the elbow joint after trauma in childhood. DIAGNOSES The patient was diagnosed as having multiple depressed scars accompanied with retraction and pain. INTERVENTIONS We used small needle knife during fat grafting to treat the depressed scar. Vancouver Scar Scale was used to assess the effect. OUTCOMES Aesthetic and functional improvements were observed. Resolution of pain and improvement in scar elasticity were objectively assessable. Improvement of both clinical evaluation and patient perception was obtained. LESSONS Use of small needle knife during fat grafting is a good alternative for the treatment of depressed scars.