Fat atrophy, also known as Parry-Romberb syndrome or lipodystrophy, is a condition where one side of a child’s face sags. This happens because the adipose tissue, the fat and muscle, slowly waste away and wither into nothing. When this happens, the bones on the affected side of the face will also soften and change, as will the skin on that side of the face.
Fat atrophy can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in children. How badly each child is affected will vary widely, as some will have very noticeable sagging, while others will experience only slight sagging. Additionally, children with fat atrophy can experience additional symptoms, such as seizures and headaches, depending on the severity of the condition.
Fat atrophy is a very uncommon condition that affects just 1 out of every 250,000 children worldwide. One of the reasons it is so uncommon, however, is because it is often misdiagnosed because the signs and symptoms of the condition mimic those of others, such as Bell’s Palsy.
Because of how rare the condition is, most parents also are not aware of what to watch out for when it comes to fat atrophy.
Fat atrophy happens slowly and over a period of years rather than instantly, as is the case with Bell’s Palsy and other forms of facial paralysis. Therefore, if you notice any sagging or changes in facial structure, it is important to contact your doctor immediately.
Unfortunately, the exact cause of Parry-Romberg syndrome is not fully known. Medical experts can track changes that occur in the body that lead to changes in facial structure, but they are not sure what initiates the change to occur. However, while the exact causes of fat atrophy are unknown, here are some of the known risk factors.
Fat atrophy is more common in biological females than in males.
Children who have had recent bacterial or viral infections or autoimmune diseases are more likely to suffer from fat atrophy.
Inflammation of the brain or meninges or sudden changes in the nervous system can lead to fat atrophy.
Physical trauma to the brain or face can also lead to fat atrophy.
While it is tough for doctor to determine the cause of fat atrophy, it is easier for them to diagnose it with the following tests.
Because the physical symptoms of fat atrophy are fairly obvious, your doctor will use a physical examination as their first diagnostic test. If you have noticeable sagging on one side of the face, fat atrophy is a possibility.
Next, they will inquire about your child’s medical history. If they have any recent episodes with the risk factors above, your doctor will further suspect fat atrophy as a cause.
Finally, your doctor can perform imaging tests, such as an MRI or CAT Scan, to examine the bones and muscles on the affected side of the face. Changes or abnormalities to these facial structures will confirm a diagnosis.
Unfortunately, there is no real way to prevent fat atrophy from occurring. There are, however, treatments available that can reverse the damage the condition causes. Treatments typically include surgical procedures to reconstruct damaged parts of the face, as well as fat transfers to replace unhealthy fat with healthy fat.
However, most doctors will wait to apply surgical remedies until the face has stopped sagging and symptoms have abated.