Clinical Efficacy of Mechanical Micronized Fat-Assisted Fat Grafting on Temporal Depression.

BACKGROUND: Temporal concavities result from reduced subcutaneous fat and bone structure variations, impacting facial aesthetics. Filling treatments, including autologous fat grafts, synthetic fillers, and biological materials, are used for enhancement. Autologous fat grafting is promising but limited by unpredictable fat absorption and nonstandardized procedures. This study aims to assess the clinical effectiveness of mechanical micronized fat in combination with autologous granular fat grafting for lipofilling in the correction of temporal deformities. METHODS: Patients (n = 37, mean age = 37.48) with temporal concavity caused by aging and Inherently inadequate capacity were enrolled and divided into control group (n = 10) and study group (n = 9) according to different fat grafts. Control group received pure autologous granular fat, with an average volume of approximately 19.30 mL. In contrast, the study group used mechanical micronized fat along with autologous granular fat co-injection through an 18G needle with an average injection volume of about 18.89 mL. All autologous fat collected from patients' abdominal and thighs. Information, including postoperative clinical efficacy scored by various plastic surgeons for the comparison of preoperative and postoperative photos of patients, patient satisfaction, and complications between the two groups, was documented. Additionally, changes in patients' quality of life were evaluated using the FACE-Q scale. RESULTS: Six months after surgery, the efficacy of temporal filling in the study group (6.69 ± 0.64) was higher than the control group (6.37 ± 0.67) (P = 0.0048). The patient satisfaction was more prominent in the study group (6.28 ± 0.87) than in the control group (5.80 ± 0.71) (P = 0.0449). Differences between above two observation indicators were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The FACE-Q scale items, which assess psychological health, social functioning, and early life impact, showed higher scores in the study group both before the surgery (psychological health: 59.22 ± 3.53, social functioning: 64.75 ± 3.15) and 6 months after the surgery (psychological health: 69.44 ± 4.50, social functioning: 75.33 ± 3.81, early life impact: 74.21 ± 0.70) (P > 0.05). Notably, only one micronodule formation was detected among all patients. CONCLUSION: Mechanical micronized fat combined with autologous granular fat improve the clinical effect of treating concavity in temporal region, which is worthy of further promotion and application.

Accurate Plane Fat Grafting in Gluteal Augmentation: An Anatomic Study.

BACKGROUND: The safety of gluteal fat grafting is a global concern in plastic surgery. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to test whether fat grafting to the buttocks with Auto Stop Reach (ASR) technology prevents penetration from the subcutaneous space into the fascia and muscle layers of the buttocks. METHODS: Fat transfer simulation was performed with blue dye on 8 fresh tissue cadaver buttocks by 3 board-certified plastic surgeons (S.S.K., S.C., B.W.). An open control was utilized to visualize the process in the different anatomic layers, and all of the other procedures were performed blindly, akin to live surgery. After blue dye transfer reached maximum capacity (ranging from 400-800 mL per buttock), dissection of the anatomical layers of the buttocks was performed to determine the plane(s) of injection. RESULTS: Blue dye fat transfer injection to the buttocks did not penetrate the gluteal fascia or muscle layers from the subcutaneous space while using ASR. CONCLUSIONS: Auto Stop Reach technology supports the safety of gluteal fat transfer in the subcutaneous space by board-certified plastic surgeons.

Clinical Implications of Fat Grafting in the Posterior Calf: A Dynamic Cadaver-based Study.

BACKGROUND: Intramuscular fat grafting in extremity muscles, especially the gastrocnemius, has become increasingly popular. However, while safety in truncal muscle fat grafting has been well-studied, research on extremity muscles is lacking. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to explore the anatomy of the gastrocnemius muscle and adjacent structures as intramuscular and subcutaneous recipient sites. Additionally, we sought to analyze pressure-volume relationships and fat migration patterns during posterior calf grafting. METHODS: Eight cadaveric lower extremities were examined. A prosection was performed to better understand the vascular complex around the gastrocnemius. Ultrasound-guided fat injections were then performed into both the subcutaneous and intramuscular layers; dynamic pressures were measured with a manometer. Last, dyed-injectant was injected subcutaneously to better elucidate subcutaneous anatomy. RESULTS: Anatomic prosection demonstrated the proximity of the gastrocnemius muscle to the popliteal venous system that arborized (>1 mm) intramuscularly. In the 3 specimens that underwent intramuscular fat grafting, the peak intramuscular pressures plateaued at 21 mmHg (19.5-23 mmHg); there was no observed extrafascial migration of the injectant. With subcutaneous injectant in 1 specimen, pressures in the subcutaneous space increased (125 mmHg) with additional injectant (240 mL) while pressures in the intramuscular space remained relatively constant (4 mmHg). CONCLUSIONS: Intramuscular gastrocnemius fat grafting should be done with caution: its proximity to critical veins and sustained increased intramuscular pressures following grafting increases risks of embolus and thrombosis, respectively. Subcutaneous injection may be safer in that increased pressures are not communicated to deep structures. Last, we present a novel description of posterior calf subcutaneous compartments that may better allow surgeons to direct and predict subcutaneous injectant.

Transplantation of Cold-Stimulated Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Improves Fat Retention and Recipient Metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Induction of beige fat for grafting is an emerging transplantation strategy. However, safety concerns associated with pharmaceutical interventions limit its wider application. Moreover, because beige fat is a special type of fat with strong metabolic functions, its effect on the metabolism of recipients after grafting has not been explored in the plastic surgery domain. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore whether cold-induced inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) transplantation has a higher retention rate and beneficial effects on recipient metabolism. METHODS: C57/BL6 mice were subjected to cold stimulation for 48 hours to induce the browning of iWAT and harvested immediately. Subsequently, each mouse received a transplant of 0.2 mL cold-induced iWAT or normal iWAT. Fat grafts and recipients' iWAT, epididymal adipose tissue, and brown adipose tissue were harvested at 8 weeks after operation. Immunofluorescence staining, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blot were used for histological and molecular analysis. RESULTS: Cold-induced iWAT grafting had a higher mean [standard error of the mean] retention rate (67.33% [1.74%] vs 55.83% [2.94%], P < .01) and more satisfactory structural integrity than normal iWAT. Histological changes identified improved adipose tissue homeostasis after cold challenge, including abundant smaller adipocytes, higher levels of adipogenesis, angiogenesis, and proliferation, but lower levels of fibrosis. More importantly, cold-induced iWAT grafting suppressed the inflammation of epididymal adipose tissue caused by conventional fat grafting, and activated the glucose metabolism and thermogenic activity of recipients' adipose tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Cold-induced iWAT grafting is an effective nonpharmacological intervention strategy to improve the retention rate and homeostasis of grafts. Furthermore, it improves the adverse effects caused by traditional fat grafting, while also conferring metabolic benefits.

Facial Fat Graft Injection Reduces Asymmetry and Improves Forehead Contour in Early Infancy Apert Syndrome Patients.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to report the outcomes of a modified comprehensive Apert syndrome surgical protocol in which fat injection was performed during early infancy concurrent with postposterior vault distraction osteogenesis (PVDO) distractor removal. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 40 consecutive young patients with Apert syndrome who underwent PVDO and subsequent distractor removal between 2012 and 2022. Of these 40 patients, 12 patients underwent facial fat injection concurrent with distractor removal to treat residual supraorbital bar recession as part of a modified comprehensive Apert syndrome surgical protocol. Preoperative and postoperative severity of recession and irregularity was graded from 1 to 3, with 1 being less severe and 3 being the most severe. Recession severity was correlated with the number and type of suture fusion. The complication rate was stratified via a Clavien-Dindo scale. RESULTS: The average patient age was 14.3±5 months, with 5 males (41.6%) and 7 females (48.3%). The average hospital stay was 1.08 days. The average volume of free fat graft injection was 8.29±5 mL. According to the Likert scale, forehead morphology improved in 91.67% of the patients. Complete resolution of supraorbital bar recession was achieved in seven patients (58.33%), all of whom presenting a single suture synostosis. One patient with a cloverleaf skull presented a type IIIB complication. CONCLUSIONS: Facial fat grafting markedly reduces forehead asymmetry and improves forehead contour in Apert syndrome patients following PVDO. Total resolution of forehead recession directly correlated with a single suture fusion.

Deep Subcutaneous Gluteal Fat Compartments: Anatomy and Clinical Implications.

BACKGROUND: Advances in gluteal fat grafting have resulted in diminished risks through improved understanding of regional anatomy and technical nuances. No anatomic studies identifying the presence or absence of buttock fat compartments have yet been reported. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this cadaveric study was to identify and characterize the deep subcutaneous gluteal fat compartments to further understand the nuanced differences between deep and superficial subcutaneous fat layers. METHODS: A cadaveric study was performed to identify the fat compartments. Latex injection into the iliac artery and vein was used to prepare 4 fresh (N = 8 hemibuttocks) hydrated cadavers for dissection. Preliminary work identified the likely position of deep gluteal fat compartments. The cannula was positioned under ultrasound guidance in between the superficial and deep gluteal layers. Cadaveric buttocks were infiltrated by the static technique with dyed human fat, dyed applesauce, and dyed saline in an attempt to identify the gluteal deep subcutaneous fat compartments. RESULTS: Dissection identified and characterized 7 discrete deep gluteal fat compartments. These comprise 3 medial fat compartments (superior, middle, and inferior); a central fat compartment; and 3 lateral (superior, middle, and inferior) deep fat compartments. CONCLUSIONS: Seven deep gluteal fat compartments have been identified that have distinct boundaries and maintain injected contents separate from each other above the gluteal muscle fascia. These compartments can be selectively expanded for buttock augmentation. Knowledge of these compartments enables surgeons to perform gluteal augmentation by static infiltration, injecting autologous fat under ultrasound guidance in the deep subcutaneous fat layer, while optimizing aesthetic considerations.

The Effect of Fat Grafting on Expansion Pressures in Expander-Based Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction: Outcomes in Normal and Irradiated Tissues.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of fat grafting on the viscoelasticity of irradiated tissues is poorly defined. We investigate the effect of subcutaneous fat grafting on postmastectomy tissue expansion in patients undergoing delayed breast reconstruction. We quantify observed viscoelastic and trophic changes of the skin envelope. We hypothesize that fat grafting changes the trophic and viscoelastic properties of the breast soft tissue envelope. METHODS: Postmastectomy defects delayed more than 2 years and reconstructed with subpectoral tissue expanders were prospectively studied. Control (no irradiation, no fat grafting, n = 7), fat grafted (no irradiation, fat grafting n = 8), and irradiated plus fat grafting (irradiation, fat grafting, n = 9) groups were included. Hydrostatic pressures of the tissue expanders were measured before and immediately after expansion, and again postexpansion day 1. Pressure changes calculated as "postexpansion-relaxation interval": difference between maximal pressure at each expansion and the minimal pressure before the next expansion session. Differences were analyzed between groups. RESULTS: Hydrostatic pressure plots reflect the soft tissue ability to accommodate sequential expansion. Fat grafted breasts demonstrated a statistically significant increased postexpansion-relaxation interval versus the nongrafted control group (P < 0.0001). Irradiated plus fat grafting breasts achieve similar postexpansion relaxation interval to the control group (P = 0.597). These changes are observed at postoperative week 6. Viscoelastic changes impact the overall expansion time: the fat grafted group achieved total expansion 2 weeks earlier than the nongrafted control group (P = 0.019). The fat grafted, radiated group completed expansion in similar time interval as nongrafted control group. CONCLUSIONS: Observed viscoelastic changes impact the overall expansion time. Fat grafting in nonradiated mastectomy defects allows for shorter expansion period. Fat grating in radiated postmastectomy defects allows expansion durations equivalent to nonradiated, nonfat grafted control defects. There is a delayed effect of fat grafting observed at postoperative week 6.

Intramuscular Fat Graft Results in Lower Retention but Similar Quality Compared with Subcutaneous Counterpart.

ABSTRACT: The adipose tissue has been injected into both subcutaneous and intramuscular planes for volume augmentation. However, the differences in their outcomes have yet to be fully elucidated. To investigate the differences of intramuscular and subcutaneous graft outcome, adipose tissue was harvested from the inguinal fat pad of mice and then placed into the quadriceps femoris or the subcutaneous plane, respectively. At 8 weeks, the graft outcome was evaluated by gross weight assessment, hema-toxylin and eosin staining, and CD31 staining. The authors found out that though the intramuscular graft had lower weight retention than the subcutaneous graft, the histologic quality and vascularity were similar between the intramuscular and subcutaneous graft. To summarize, the muscle is a feasible plane for fat grafting clinically. While performing intramuscular fat grafting, moderate overcorrec-tion may be necessary to achieve satisfactory results.

Update on Nonfacial Fat Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Fat transplantation is becoming increasingly popular for off-face rejuvenation. OBJECTIVE: To provide an update in the literature of current knowledge and emerging concepts in the use of fat transplantation for nonfacial applications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This update includes the potential benefits and risks of using fat transfer techniques on the body. RESULTS: The current literature and author experiences are provided to help understand this growing field of aesthetic procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The use of nonfacial fat transplantation is increasing and will become a larger part of aesthetic practices.

Adipose tissue transplantation ameliorates lipodystrophy-associated metabolic disorders in seipin-deficient mice.

Seipin deficiency is responsible for type 2 congenital generalized lipodystrophy with severe loss of adipose tissue and can lead to hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance (IR), and dyslipidemia in humans. Adipose tissue secretes many adipokines that are central to the regulation of metabolism. In this study, we investigated whether transplantation of normal adipose tissue could ameliorate severe hepatic steatosis, IR, and dyslipidemia in lipoatrophic seipin knockout (SKO) mice. Normal adipose tissue from wild-type mice was transplanted into 6-wk-old SKO mice. At 4 mo after adipose tissue transplantation (AT), the transplanted fat survived with detectable blood vessels, and the reduced levels of plasma leptin, a major adipokine, were dramatically increased. Severe hepatic steatosis, IR, and dyslipidemia in SKO mice were ameliorated after AT. In addition, abnormal hepatic lipogenesis and ß-oxidation gene expression in SKO mice were improved after AT. Our results suggest that AT may be an effective treatment to improve lipodystrophy-associated metabolic disorders.

Adipose tissue, fillers, and skin tightening.

The role of adipose tissue has long been underestimated in esthetic dermatology. With the development of liposculpture and lipolysis, subcutaneous adipose tissue has gained an increasing interest. Harvested tissue has been used for lipofilling. In recent years, a better understanding of adipocyte physiology and its role in aging opened a new road for targeted treatments. Subcutaneous adipose tissue is no longer an innocent bystander in the combat of aging and the correction in esthetics. Adipose tissue is of importance for metabolic function and thermoregulation. Adipose tissue is involved in inflammation. Adipose tissue is heterogeneous in sense of function, color and size of adipocytes. The tissue is an important source of somatic stem cells.

Objective and Subjective Evaluation of Lipoinjection for Correction of Temporal Depression.

BACKGROUND: Temporal depression is commonly found among people. OBJECTIVE: Objective and subjective evaluation of lipoinjection for correction of temporal depression. METHODS: From November 2012 to January 2018, 34 healthy female subjects underwent temporal augmentation by lipoinjection on both sides. Efficacy was assessed by objective and subjective parameters. The quantitative measurement of the temporal defect was obtained using molded plasticine preoperatively and 12 months after treatment. The subjective assessment consisted of excellent, good, fair, and poor results based on the patients' self-evaluations. The adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 36 months. It was found that a statistically significant difference existed between the preoperative and postoperative defect on both temples. Regarding the patients' self-evaluations, 17 patients (50.0%) reported feeling excellent, 15 patients (44.1%) as good, and 2 patients (5.9%) as fair, and no patient as poor. After the statistical analysis, it was found that the volumetric restoration rate of the grafted fat decreased as the temporal defect generally increased during the aging process. Injection-site swelling and bruising were commonly found complications; other complications were not found. CONCLUSION: Autologous fat is inexpensive and readily available. Fat grafting is an alternative for correction of temporal depression.

Influence of Recipient Site on the Function and Survival of Fat Grafts.

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat grafting has become an increasingly common procedure for soft tissue augmentation throughout the body. However, the long-term outcome is always unpredictable because of inconsistent graft survival. Based on the "law of use and disuse," we speculate that the volume loss of fat grafts will occur when transferred into a site where there is less fat. The purpose of this study is to investigate the cause of high resorption rate from the perspective of fat function after transplantation. METHODS: Adipose aspirates obtained from routine liposuction were injected into the dorsal site of athymic mice, which have no subcutaneous fat layer. The fat grafts were explanted at days 7, 15, and 30 after transplantation. Changes in fat function were evaluated by measuring the adipocyte size and the expression level of adipose differentiation-related protein. RESULTS: After grafting, adipose tissue was replaced by fibrosis, inflammation, and vacuolar tissues gradually over time. The size of fat cells decreased sharply from day 0 to day 7, increased at day 15, and further declined at day 30. Adipose differentiation-related protein expression experienced a dramatic increase at day 7 and then continuously decreased until day 30. CONCLUSIONS: Assuming that the extrinsic factors influencing fat function and distribution remain stable, capabilities of the redistributed fat to handle free fatty acid and store lipid substance are reduced, leading to substantial tissue atrophy and volume decline after grafting.

Achieving a Youthful Midface: Examination of Midface Anatomy Improvement Following Lower Blepharoplasty With Fat Transposition and Transtemporal Midface Lift With Lower Lid Skin Pinch.

BACKGROUND: Numerous methods have been described to treat midfacial aging. The authors compared 2 surgical methods aimed to improve the appearance of midface aging via their ability to improve midface contour: the transtemporal midface lift (with lower lid skin pinch) and lower blepharoplasty with fat transposition. OBJECTIVES: The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent transtemporal midface lift and lower blepharoplasty with fat transposition performed by the senior author (V.Q.) from January 2014 to December 2015. Preoperative and 6-month postoperative profile photos were objectively examined for both surgical groups and compared. A total of 16 patients underwent lower blepharoplasty with fat transposition and 15 patients underwent trans temporal midface lift. METHODS: For comparison 1, the authors compared the angle at the orbital rim within each surgical group before and after surgery. For comparison 2, the degree of improvement in the midfacial contour was quantitatively compared between the 2 surgical groups. RESULTS: This study demonstrated that both procedures achieved a statistically significant improvement in the midfacial contour. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in severity of deformity preoperatively (mean preoperative orbital rim angle 131.5° for lower blepharoplasty group and 132.2° for transtemporal midface lift group, P = 0.90). Degree of improvement between the groups also did not significantly differ (P = 0.28). CONCLUSIONS: Both approaches (transtemporal midface lift and lower blepharoplasty with fat transposition) can successfully improve the lower lid midface contour, as the authors demonstrated statistically significant improvement at 6 months postoperatively.

Does Stromal Vascular Fraction Ensure a Higher Survival in Autologous Fat Grafting for Breast Augmentation? A Volumetric Study Using 3-Dimensional Laser Scanning.

Background: Cell-assisted lipotransfer (CAL) has been considered a promising technique for promoting adipogenesis and angiogenesis in fat grafts. Objectives: The author sought to objectively analyze the change of breast volume in patients who underwent stromal vascular fraction (SVF)-enriched fat grafting for breast augmentation and compared the clinical results with those who underwent conventional fat grafting without SVF by using 3-dimensional laser scanning. Methods: From April 2015 to March 2016, 105 patients who underwent traditional fat grafting without SVF enrichment for breast augmentation were assigned to group A and served as the control. The other 101 patients who underwent SVF-enriched fat grafting for breast augmentation were assigned to group B. The charts of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The survival rate of the transplanted fat was 67.9% in group A and 68.7% in group B at 12 months after the operation. Postoperative complication rate was 3.8% in group A and 5.9% in group B. The differences were statistically insignificant. Conclusions: SVF does not ensure a higher survival rate in autologous fat grafting for breast augmentation. Considering the potential drawbacks of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) and the extra cost of the consumables, in particular the need for harvesting larger amount of fat which could be reserved for additional fat grafting at a later time to achieve even better improvement, the results of this study do not support the use of SVF in autologous fat grafting for breast augmentation in terms of graft survival and postoperative complications.

Safe Gluteal Fat Graft Avoiding a Vascular or Nervous Injury: An Anatomical Study in Cadavers.

Background: Fat grafting for gluteal augmentation is one of the most popular aesthetic surgery procedures. It has an associated mortality to fat embolism of 0.2%. Objectives: The authors of this study sought to describe which technique for synthetic graft application was least likely to cause a fat embolism. Methods: Ten fresh bodies were obtained and 4 groups arranged with 5 buttocks each randomly assigned. Group 1 was infiltrated through the upper medial intergluteal sulcus (upper medial intergluteal sulcus) with an angulation of -30°, -10°, and 0°. Group 2 was infiltrated through the middle lower gluteal sulcus with an angulation of -30°, 0°, and +15°. Group 3 was infiltrated through a peritrochanteric (PT) access at the level of the femur head at 0° and +10° and in the middle of the buttock at the level of the posterior superior iliac crest at -30° toward the trochanter (lateral direction). Group 4 was infiltrated in the same manner as group 1 without -30°. A complication occurred when the graft was in contact with the vascular or nervous bundle, within the gluteus medius muscle, or both. Results: Group 1 had 3 buttocks with a complication (UMIGS -30°). Group 2 had complications in all the injection techniques. Group 3 had 5 buttocks with a complication (PT at 0°). Group 4 had no complications. Conclusions: The injection of the fat graft through the UMIGS at 0° and 10° angles, and through the middle of the buttock at the level of posterior superior iliac crest a -30° angle, reaches the surface needed for gluteal augmentation. The group 2 techniques should be avoided because they have a high risk of complication.

Breast Lipofilling Does Not Pose Evidence of Chronic Inflammation in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Laboratory reports on adipose tissue suggest that fat grafting to the breast may pose an oncologic risk. One possible reason for this is the theoretic chronic inflammation due to adipokynes released by grafted white adipose tissue (WAT). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze inflammatory activity in lipofilled breast through the use of proinflammatory markers. METHODS: Fifty-four paired-breasts of female rats were divided into 4 groups: control, sham, and breasts grafted with either autologous subcutaneous (SC) WAT or autologous omentum (OM). The WAT was prepared through centrifugation, and the grafting was performed with the use of 0.9-mm blunt-tip cannula. The rats were killed 8 weeks postoperatively, and their breasts were harvested for immunohistochemical staining for CD68-expressing macrophages, gene expression (real-time PCR) for monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), F4/80, Cox-2, and IL-6. RESULTS: The weights of the rats that underwent a procedure differed from those of the unmanipulated control group (P < 0.01). The macrophage counts of CD68 differed only between breasts lipofilled with OM and control (P < 0.01). MCP-1, F4/80, and Cox-2 were similarly expressed among the groups (P = 0.422, P = 0.143, and P = 0.209, respectively). The expression of IL-6 differed between breast samples grafted with SC and OM WAT (P = 0.015), but not between samples of control and OM (P = 0.752), and control and SC (P = 0.056). CONCLUSIONS: No inflammation activity was identified in the microenvironment of lipofilled breasts, indicating that chronic inflammation does not seem to be triggered by the breast lipofilling procedure.

Autologous fat grafting to lumpectomy defects: complications, imaging, and biopsy rates.

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat grafting is emerging as a promising reconstructive technique after breast conservation therapy (BCT). Recent evidence suggests that autologous fat grafting does not increase the risk of cancer recurrence; however, women may still be subject to unnecessary biopsies secondary to suspicious radiologic findings. The purpose of this study was to assess surgical complications and biopsy rates in these patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of women who underwent autologous fat grafting after BCT at a single institution over a 6-y period. Independent variables included demographic and operative details. Outcome variables included complications, and incidence of palpable masses and/or suspicious breast imaging findings requiring biopsy. Descriptive statistics were generated. RESULTS: Between June 2008 and February 2015, 37 women aged 41 to 74 y (mean 54.4 y) underwent a total of 56 fat grafting sessions for correction of contour deformities after BCT. The mean number of fat grafting procedures was 1.5 (range 1-4) per breast. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 99 mo (mean 29.5 mo). Imaging data were available for 31 (83.7%) breasts after autologous fat grafting. Biopsy was recommended in four cases after suspicious imaging findings or palpable masses (10.8%), with benign pathology in all cases. There was one incidence of a local wound infection. No other local or systemic complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated a risk of unnecessary biopsies after autologous fat grafting. Complication rates were low, and it appears to be a safe reconstructive option for the correction of contour deformities after BCT.

Concentrated Growth Factor Enhanced Fat Graft Survival: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Concentrated growth factors (CGFs) belong to a new generation biomaterials that concentrate large number of growth factors and CD34 stem cells in small volume of plasma. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the new technique, CGF, on fat graft survival, which compared with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nude mice received fat graft were divided into PRP group, PRF group, CGF group, and saline. The grafts were volumetrically and histologically evaluated at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after fat grafting. In vitro growth factor levels in PRP, PRF, and CGF were compared using enzyme-linked immunoassay method. Cell count and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate the impact of CGF in medium on human adipose-derived stem cell (hADSC) proliferation and vascular differentiation, respectively. RESULTS: Fat graft weight was significantly higher in the CGF group than those in the other groups, and histologic evaluation revealed greater vascularity, fewer cysts, and less fibrosis. Adding CGF to the medium maximally promoted hADSC proliferation and expressing vascular endothelial growth factor and PECAM-1. CONCLUSION: In this preliminary study, CGF treatment improved the survival and quality of fat grafts.

A 3-Dimensional Biomimetic Platform to Interrogate the Safety of Autologous Fat Transfer in the Setting of Breast Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a known risk factor for the development and prognosis of breast cancer. Adipocytes have been identified as a source of exogenous lipids in other cancer types and may similarly provide energy to fuel malignant survival and growth in breast cancer. This relationship is of particular relevance to plastic surgery, because many reconstructions after oncologic mastectomy achieve optimal aesthetics and durability using adjunctive autologous fat transfer (AFT). Despite the increasing ubiquity and promise of AFT, many unanswered questions remain, including safety in the setting of breast cancer. Clinical studies to examine this question are underway, but an in vitro system is critical to elucidate the complex interplay between the cells that normally reside at the surgical recipient site. To study these interactions and characterize possible lipid transfer between adipocytes to breast cancer cells, we designed a 3-dimensional in vitro model using primary patient-derived tissues. METHODS: Breast adipose tissue was acquired from patients undergoing breast reduction surgery. The tissue was enzymatically digested and sorted to retrieve adipocytes and adipose stromal cells. Polydimethylsiloxane wells were filled with type I collagen-encapsulated adipocytes labeled with the fluorescent lipid dye boron dipyrromethene, as well as unlabeled adipose stromal cells. A monolayer of red fluorescently labeled MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells was seeded on the surface of the construct. Lipid transfer at the interface between adipocytes and breast cancer cells was analyzed. RESULTS: Confocal microscopy revealed a dense culture of native adipocytes containing fluorescent lipid droplets in the 3-dimensional collagen culture platform. RFP-positive breast cancer cells were found in close proximity to lipid-laden adipocytes. Lipid transfer from adipocytes to breast cancer cells was observed by the presence of boron dipyrromethene-positive lipid droplets within RFP-labeled breast cancer cells. CONCLUSION: We have established a 3-dimensional model to study complex breast cancer-adipose tissue interactions. Direct transfer of fluorescently labeled lipids from adipocytes to breast cancer cells may indicate aberrant metabolism to fuel malignant growth and adaptive survival. Our novel platform can untangle the complex interplay within the breast cancer tumor microenvironment for high-throughput analysis and better elucidate the safety of AFT in postoncologic mastectomy.