Are Dernal-Fat Grafts More Effective Than Coccydynia Than Fat Injections?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I saw that Dr. Eppley posted online about using fat grafting to treat coccydynia. I was hoping he can answer some questions:

Is fat grafting for coccydynia more effective than injections?

Does this treatment usually involve multiple treatments or is it usually a one time surgery?

What is the approximate success rate for fat grafting to treat coccydynia?

A:There are two types of fat grafting, liquid injections and solid dermal–fat grafts. What you are specifically referring to in the treatment of coccygodynia is the surgical placement of a solid dermal–fat graft. This has a much higher take rate and is more appropriate for coccydynia than fat injections would ever be. The success rate is fairly high as defined by significant take and retention of the dermal fat graft.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon