Evaluating micronized adipose tissue niche and artificial dermis grafts following nonmelanoma skin cancer excision: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Recently, micronized adipose tissue (MAT) grafts have shown promising results in wound healing, including diabetic ulcers. OBJECTIVE: To assess the possibility of using 3D printed MAT niche grafts in the management of skin and soft tissue defects resulting from non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) resections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective feasibility study was conducted on patients with skin and soft tissue defects resulting from NMSC resections. Twenty-one patients were treated using either artificial dermis (n = 11) or MAT niche (n = 10) grafting. Healing time and POSAS scores were compared. The Mann-Whitney U test and the Pearson chi-square test were used in statistical analysis to compare between and within groups based on preoperative and postoperative measurements. RESULTS: Wounds in the MAT niche group reepithelialized significantly faster than those in the artificial dermis group (mean [SD] 39.2 [11.4] days vs 63.7 [34.8] days; P = .04). In the 21 scar parameters evaluated, the MAT niche group demonstrated significantly superior outcomes in only 2 parameters based on operator assessment scores: relief (mean [SD] 1.6 [0.7] vs 2.2 [0.6]; P = .047) and scar contracture (mean [SD] 1.3 [0.5] vs 2.5 [1.0]; P = .011). CONCLUSION: This study proves the feasibility of exploring the effects of MAT niche grafting following NMSC excision on healing time and specific parameters of scarring, including scar relief and scar contracture.

Orbital fat graft retroseptal transconjunctival blepharoplasty for treatment of groove in the infraorbital region.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of the retroseptal transconjunctival blepharoplasty together with tear trough ligament (TTL) and Orbicularis retaining ligament (ORL) release with orbital fat graft in the management of groove in the infraorbital region (GIR). METHODS: A prospective study of 80 eyes of 40 patients that underwent retroseptal transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty together with TTL and ORL release and resected orbital fat grafting. An ophthalmic examination includes lower eyelid evaluation and Barton's Tear trough deformity grading was done at baseline, 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after the surgery. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using Global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) and Blepharoplasty outcomes evaluation (BOE). RESULTS: Baseline tear trough defects were graded into grade 1, 2, and 3 in 12 (15%), 39 (48.75%) and 29 (36.25%) eyes, respectively. While at 6 months follow-up, grade 0 was recorded in 63 (78.75%) eyes, and grade 1 was recorded in 17 (21.25%) eyes. The amount of fat removed was 0.52 ± 0.04 mL per eye, whereas the amount of injected fat graft was 0.24 ± 0.04. The mean operative time was 33.2 ± 4.1 min per eye. GAIS showed degree 1, 2, and 3 in 8 (20%), 29 (72.5%), and 3 (7.5%) patients at 6 months follow-up, respectively. The mean baseline BOE increased significantly from 36.5 ± 5.9 to 86.9 ± 5.5 at 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our cohort highlights the beneficial effects of TTD/ORL release with resected orbital fat grafting in the management of GIR and infraorbital hollow.

Assessing Long-Term Volume Retention in Breast Fat Grafting: A Comparative Study of Lipoaspirate Processing Techniques.

INTRODUCTION: Autologous fat grafting is a method of improving aesthetic outcomes after both breast reconstruction and aesthetic surgery through volume enhancement and tissue contouring. Long-lasting effects are linked to greater patient satisfaction and more optimal augmentation results. Harvesting, processing, and injection techniques may all affect the longevity of deformity filling. Our objective is to evaluate the effect of lipoaspirate processing modality on longitudinal volume retention after surgery. METHODS: A prospective, single-institution, randomized control trial placed consented postmastectomy fat grafting patients into 1 of 3 treatment arms (active filtration, low-pressure decantation, and standard decantation) in a 1:1:1 ratio. A preoperative 3-dimensional scan of the upper torso was taken as baseline. At the 3-month postoperative visit, another 3D scan was taken. Audodesk Meshmixer was used to evaluate the volume change. RESULTS: The volume of fat injected during the initial procedure did not differ significantly between the treatment arms (P > 0.05). Both active filtration and low-pressure decantation resulted in higher percentage volume retention than traditional decantation (P < 0.05). Active filtration and low-pressure decantation exhibited comparable degrees of fat maintenance at 3 months (P > 0.05). DISCUSSION: Compared with using traditional decantation as the lipoaspirate purification technique, active filtration and low-pressure decantation may have led to higher levels of cell viability by way of reduced cellular debris and other inflammatory components that may contribute to tissue resorption and necrosis. Further immunohistochemistry studies are needed to examine whether active filtration and low-pressure decantation lead to lipoaspirates with more concentrated viable adipocytes, progenitor cells, and factors for angiogenesis.

Proliferation Patterns of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells in Lipoaspirate Conditioned Media.

INTRODUCTION: Autologous fat grafting (AFG) is a common technique used to enhance aesthetic outcomes in postmastectomy breast reconstruction patients. Adipokines are hormones secreted by adipose tissue that play a critical role in regulating metabolic processes and the immune system. However, dysregulated adipokine secretion and signaling can contribute to the development and progression of cancer by promoting angiogenesis, altering the immune response, and inducing the epithelial mesenchymal transition. We aimed to assess how breast cancer cells behave in conditioned media derived from fat grafting lipoaspirates and gain a better understanding of the potential interactions that may occur within the tumor microenvironment. METHODS: Patients who were undergoing AFG as a part of breast reconstruction at NY-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center between March 2021 and July 2023 were consented and enrolled in the study. This study was approved by the Weill Cornell Medicine Institutional Review Board (#20-10022850-14). Conditioned media is created using 20% of patient lipoaspirate secretome and 80% starving media. The growth of MCF-7, a human ER/PR+ breast cancer cell line, in conditioned media is assessed using CyQUANT. RESULTS: The breast cancer cells incubated in conditioned media displayed similar growth trends as those in complete media, which is enriched for cell growth (P > 0.05). MCF-7 cell behavior in conditioned media differed significantly from their proliferation patterns when serum starved in 100% starving media (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION: Our results suggest that there may be inherent factors within the lipoaspirate that may promote MCF-7 proliferation. One potential implication is that AFG used for breast reconstruction should be delayed until local-regional disease control has been established. In addition, based on the in vitro proliferation patterns of breast cancer cells in conditioned media, the safety profile of AFG may be enhanced if the procedure is performed after attaining negative margins and the completion breast cancer treatment.

The Efficacy of Fat Grafting on Treating Post-Mastectomy Pain with and without Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS), characterized by persistent pain lasting at least three months following mastectomy, affects 20-50% of breast surgery patients, lacking effective treatment options. A review was conducted utilizing EMBASE, MEDLINE, and all evidence-based medicine reviews to evaluate the effect of fat grafting as a treatment option for PMPS from database inception to 29 April 2023 (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023422627). Nine studies and 812 patients in total were included in the review. The overall mean change in visual analog scale (VAS) was -3.6 in 285 patients following fat grafting and 0.5 in 147 control group patients. There was a significant reduction in VAS from baseline in the fat grafting group compared to the control group, n = 395, mean difference = -2.17 (95% CI, -2.95 to -1.39). This significant improvement was also noted in patients who underwent mastectomy without reconstruction. Common complications related to fat grafting include capsular contracture, seroma, hematoma, and infection. Surgeons should consider fat grafting as a treatment option for PMPS. However, future research is needed to substantiate this evidence and to identify timing, volume of fat grafting, and which patient cohort will benefit the most.

Endoscopic mastectomy followed by immediate breast reconstruction with fat grafting for breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Although endoscopic mastectomy has been associated with good tolerance and enhanced patient satisfaction, limitations such as the implant or flap size for reconstruction with small incisions remain unresolved. Fat grafting (FG) can expand tissue volume with pinhole skin incisions. Herein, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of endoscopic mastectomy followed by immediate FG. METHODS: Patients who underwent endoscopic mastectomy with immediate FG reconstruction from 2015 to 2021 were retrospectively evaluated to establish surgical outcomes and prognosis. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients with clinical stage 0 or I breast cancer underwent unilateral endoscopic mastectomy with immediate FG. The median age was 45 years (41-55), and the median body mass index was 19.3 kg/m2 (15.8-26.6). Endoscopically performed procedures included skin-sparing mastectomies in 18 patients (78%) and nipple-sparing mastectomies in five patients (22%). The median procedure duration was 295 min (242-346). The median specimen weight was 133 g (71-334), and the median grafted fat volume was 200 mL (136-320). No patient required reoperation or additional procedures for complications. One patient experienced recurrence at a median follow-up of 56.1 months and underwent resection; the patient was alive without recurrence 54 months post-resection. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of endoscopic mastectomy with immediate FG for reconstruction. When compared with other immediate autologous reconstructions, our strategy could minimize the skin incision and procedure duration, as well as limit complications. Further prospective investigations are needed to evaluate oncological safety, surgical outcomes, and patient satisfaction.

Adipose transplantation improves metabolism and atherosclerosis but not perivascular adipose tissue abnormality or vascular dysfunction in lipodystrophic Seipin/Apoe null mice.

Adipose dysfunction in lipodystrophic SEIPIN deficiency is associated with multiple metabolic disorders and increased risks of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy, and heart failure. Recently, adipose transplantation has been found to correct adipose dysfunction and metabolic disorders in lipodystrophic Seipin knockout mice; however, whether adipose transplantation could improve lipodystrophy-associated cardiovascular consequences is still unclear. Here, we aimed to explore the effects of adipose transplantation on lipodystrophy-associated metabolic cardiovascular diseases in Seipin knockout mice crossed into atherosclerosis-prone apolipoprotein E (Apoe) knockout background. At 2 months of age, lipodystrophic Seipin/Apoe double knockout mice and nonlipodystrophic Apoe knockout controls were subjected to adipose transplantation or sham operation. Seven months later, mice were euthanized. Our data showed that although adipose transplantation had no significant impact on endogenous adipose atrophy or gene expression, it remarkably increased plasma leptin but not adiponectin concentration in Seipin/Apoe double knockout mice. This led to significantly reduced hyperlipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and insulin resistance in Seipin/Apoe double knockout mice. Consequently, atherosclerosis burden, intraplaque macrophage infiltration, and aortic inflammatory gene expression were all attenuated in Seipin/Apoe double knockout mice with adipose transplantation. However, adipocyte morphology, macrophage infiltration, or fibrosis of the perivascular adipose tissue was not altered in Seipin/Apoe double knockout mice with adipose transplantation, followed by no significant improvement of vasoconstriction or relaxation. In conclusion, we demonstrate that adipose transplantation could alleviate lipodystrophy-associated metabolic disorders and atherosclerosis but has an almost null impact on perivascular adipose abnormality or vascular dysfunction in lipodystrophic Seipin/Apoe double knockout mice.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Adipose transplantation (AT) reverses multiply metabolic derangements in lipodystrophy, but whether it could improve lipodystrophy-related cardiovascular consequences is unknown. Here, using Seipin/Apoe double knockout mice as a lipodystrophy disease model, we showed that AT partially restored adipose functionality, which translated into significantly reduced atherosclerosis. However, AT was incapable of reversing perivascular adipose abnormality or vascular dysfunction. The current study provides preliminary experimental evidence on the therapeutic potential of AT on lipodystrophy-related metabolic cardiovascular diseases.

Oncologic safety of autologous fat grafting in primary breast reconstruction after mastectomy for cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Autologous fat transfer (AFT) is widely used to improve results of breast reconstructive surgery, but its safety is controversial. Our objective was to evaluate the oncologic safety of AFT in a homogeneous population of patients who underwent a total mastectomy with immediate reconstruction for breast cancer. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study by identifying all patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer from 2007 to 2015 in our center. A patient group with AFT performed in the 24 months after mastectomy was compared to a control group. RESULTS: Five hundred fifty cases were included, of whom 136 (24.7%) underwent at least one fat graft transfer. Median age was 51 years. Reconstruction was performed in 465 (84.5%) with an implant reconstruction. The median time from mastectomy to AFT was 13.8 months. The median follow up was 55.2 months. A total of 53 events were observed, including 10 (7.4%) in the AFT group and 43 (10.4%) in the control group. There was no difference in 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) between the groups. In the subgroup analysis, only lymph node involvement in patients who underwent AFT in the first 24 months after oncologic surgery appeared as a risk factor of recurrence. Among the 104 patients with lymph node involvement, 5-year RFS was 69.2% in patients with lipofilling vs 92.5% in patients without it (p = 0 0.0351). CONCLUSION: Performing early lipofilling in primary breast reconstruction after mastectomy for cancer seems to be oncologically safe. Lymph node involvement increases the risk of recurrence in this population.

Effect of high-density fat combined with adipose stem cell glue on the success rate of facial filling and its clinical value.

Facial fat grafting is a popular cosmetic procedure, and experts are increasingly endorsing the use of high-density fat with adipose stem cell glue for better results. This study aims to explore the effect of high-density fat combined with adipose stem cell glue on the success rate of facial filling and its clinical value. We conducted a randomized trial with 100 patients who underwent facial fat transplantation between August 2020 and August 2022. They were divided into two groups: a control group receiving traditional Coleman fat transplantation and an observation group receiving high-density fat with adipose stem cells. In the observation and control groups, the excellent and good rate was 98.00 and 80.00%. After 3 months of treatment, the thickness of frontal subcutaneous fat and temporal subcutaneous fat in the observation group was higher (P < 0.05). Observation group retention of fat transplantation was noticeably higher 3 months after treatment (P < 0.05). Three months after treatment, the VISIA (facial imaging system) scores of facial color spots, facial pores and facial wrinkles in the observation group were lower (P < 0.05). After treatment, both groups indicated noticeable improvements in physiological functions, health status, social function, mental health, and somatic diseases compared to before treatment. Notably, the observation group had higher scores (P < 0.05). The observation group had a lower complication rate (4.00% vs. 22.00%) and higher satisfaction rate (98.00% vs. 86.00%) than the control group. Using high-density fat combined with adipose stem cell glue for facial fat grafting yields superior results, reduces complications, and boosts patient satisfaction compared to traditional methods. We have complied with all relevant ethical regulations with regard to the use of stem cells.

Complete Preservation of Orbital Fat by Restoration of Attenuated Orbital Septa Using an Acellular Dermal Matrix in Lower Blepharoplasty.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that application of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) over the orbital septum overlying the herniated orbital fat to tighten and strengthen the attenuated orbital septum in lower blepharoplasty would allow successful repositioning of the herniated orbital fat within the bony orbit. METHODS: The author prospectively compared the cosmetic outcomes of lower blepharoplasty using ADM with standard blepharoplasty. We evaluated recurrence of eyelid bulging and tear trough deformity, volume of the lower periorbital region, and enophthalmos and eyelid droop 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: Twenty-two of the 24 enrolled patients completed the study. There was no significant difference in recurrence of eyelid bulging and tear trough deformity between standard blepharoplasty and blepharoplasty with ADM graft groups. In the standard blepharoplasty group, the volume of the lower periorbital region decreased significantly after surgery. In the blepharoplasty with ADM graft group, there was no significant change in the volume of the lower periorbital region after surgery. In the standard blepharoplasty group, there was no significant change in eyelid droop on either side after surgery. In the blepharoplasty with ADM graft group, the eyelid droop decreased significantly after surgery on the right side but showed no significant change on the left side. There was no significant change in enophthalmos after surgery for either group. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that ADM graft provided effective support for maintaining the replaced orbital fat in lower blepharoplasty. In the long-term, blepharoplasty with ADM graft might be effective in slowing development of age-related enophthalmos. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Danger Zones of the Gluteal Anatomy: Improving the Safety Profile of the Gluteal Fat Grafting.

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge of the vascular anatomy is critical to performing safe gluteal surgery. To date, only the course of the main blood vessels within the muscles has been outlined. These findings are based on MRI and CTA images that do not conform to a topographically standardized and normalized probability distribution. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop a three-dimensional mapping of the gluteal zones of high vascular density in relation to anatomical landmarks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort analysis comprised all consecutive patients who underwent cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans between January 2016 and October 2021. The location of blood vessels in the gluteal region was allometrically normalized in relation to anatomical landmarks. Moreover, the caliber and area of the blood vessels were assessed. RESULTS: CBCT scans of 32 patients with an average age of 64 ± 12 years (range 34-87 years) were included. Fifty-three percent were female. The median [IQR] caliber of the intramuscular gluteal vessels was 1.47 [1.15-1.88] mm, significantly greater than that of the subcutaneous vessels 1.09 [0.72-1.44] mm (p < 0.001). Vascular density was higher intramuscularly, as 4.5% of the area of the muscle was occupied by blood vessels, as opposed to 0.3% in the adipose tissue. CONCLUSION: The analysis of the CBCT scans showed a higher vascular density and larger vessels intramuscularly. We, therefore, recommend the injection of autologous fat merely to the subcutaneous plane. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Medium- and Long-Term Outcomes of Autologous Fat Grafting to Hands and Feet for Patients With Raynaud Phenomenon.

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat grafting (AFG) has emerged as a promising treatment option for Raynaud phenomenon. However, existing studies are limited by short follow-up, and there is little evidence regarding predictive factors for successful outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective chart review and standardized phone interviews were performed for all patients (n = 17, 65% response rate) treated with AFG to the hands or feet at our institution for primary or secondary Raynaud from 2010 to 2021. Each occurrence of AFG was defined as a separate surgery (n = 23), with an average follow-up of 3.7 years. RESULTS: At follow-up, patients reported a 31% reduction in cold attack frequency, a 45% reduction in the intensity of individual attacks, a 29% reduction in the duration of attacks, and a 40% improvement in overall Raynaud Condition Score (P < 0.01). Although initial AFG to an extremity significantly improved symptoms, subsequent attempts were not shown to statistically improve outcomes. Digital ulcers were present in 65% of cases, and AFG resulted in ulcer healing in 87% of those cases. Median duration of maximum symptom relief was 1 year postoperatively, with 74% of patients reporting diminishing symptom relief by 4 years postoperatively. Those with a BMI ≥25, with primary Raynaud phenomenon or without preoperative ulcers experienced significantly longer symptom relief (P < 0.05). Average patient satisfaction was 7.7 of 10, and 91% would recommend the procedure to others. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous fat grafting is an effective, albeit sometimes temporary, treatment for Raynaud and digital ulcers. Certain patients may be more likely to experience lasting symptom relief beyond 1 year.

External Volume Expansion: Timing and Effects on the Rate of Fat Graft Retention in BALB/c Nude Mice.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Fat grafting has been widely used for soft-tissue augmentation. External volume expansion (EVE) is a favorable tool for improvement in the rate of fat graft retention. However, few studies have focused on the most appropriate time for its implementation. In this study, BALB/c nude mice were used to investigate the effective time for the implementation of external volume expansion to improve the rate of fat retention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen mice were divided into four groups, and EVE was performed at different time points before or both before and after fat grafting. Fat tissue from a human donor was injected into the mice following EVE. Visual assessment, micro-computed tomography analysis, and histopathological evaluation were used to assess fat retention. RESULTS: After 10 weeks, the group that underwent EVE 5 days before fat grafting demonstrated a significantly higher preserved fat volume, as determined by micro-computed tomography (p<0.05). Moreover, the group that received additional EVE after fat grafting exhibited a higher retention rate compared to the groups receiving EVE only before grafting (p<0.05). Histopathological analysis indicated that swelling, edema, and inflammation were more pronounced in the group with EVE immediately before grafting, while angiogenesis and lipogenesis were more active in the group with additional EVE after grafting. CONCLUSION: EVE is a safe and effective approach for improving the rate of fat graft retentions. Furthermore, the timing of external tissue expansion plays a crucial role in fat retention. Based on our animal study, performing EVE immediately before and after fat grafting may be an effective strategy for enhancing the rate of fat graft retentions.

Lower Gluteal Liposuction Combined With Upper Gluteal and Infragluteal Region Fat Grafting: A Novel Concept to Improve Gluteal Ptosis.

BACKGROUND: Gluteal ptosis results in a severe disturbance of gluteal aesthetics. Currently, satisfactory procedures for improving gluteal ptosis are lacking. OBJECTIVES: To improve gluteal ptosis, the authors propose a novel concept of combined liposuction of the lower gluteal region and fat grafting to the upper gluteal and infragluteal regions, and verify its efficacy and safety. METHODS: Patients who underwent liposuction of the lower gluteal region combined with fat grafting to the upper gluteal and infragluteal regions between January 2020 and July 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative changes in the gluteal ptosis grade, complications, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients were enrolled in this study; 21 (75.0%) patients had gluteal ptosis grade 4 and 7 (25.0%) patients had gluteal ptosis grade 5. The median fat removal volume was 210 mL, and the median fat graft injected volume was 355 mL in the gluteal region and 180 mL in the infragluteal region. All patients showed improvement in gluteal ptosis; 16 (57.1%) patients improved by 1 grade and 12 (42.9%) patients showed a 2-grade improvement. All patients were satisfied with their posttreatment outcomes. Only 1 patient showed lateral translocation of the fat graft. No other complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Liposuction of the lower gluteal region combined with fat grafting to the upper gluteal and infragluteal regions is effective in improving gluteal ptosis, with a low risk of complications and high patient satisfaction.

The Pendulum Movement of Orbital Fat and Retro-Orbicularis Oculi Fat: A New Strategy for Correction of Sunken Eyelid Deformity in Revision Upper Blepharoplasty for Asian Patients.

BACKGROUND: With an increasing number of East Asians undergoing blepharoplasty, the number of patients with secondary upper eyelid deformities is increasing. The sunken eyelid deformity is a common deformity after upper blepharoplasty in Asians due to over-resection, retraction, or atrophy of the nasal and central orbital fat pads. Herein, we present a novel procedure, the pendulum movement of orbital fat and retro-orbicularis oculi fat ("POR" technique), for correction of sunken eyelid deformity in secondary Asian blepharoplasty. METHODS: Patients who underwent secondary upper blepharoplasty with the POR technique by the senior author between January 2020 and October 2021 were identified retrospectively. Those with fewer than 6 months of follow-up were excluded. Patient charts and images were reviewed for demographic data, comorbidities, concomitant eyelid deformities, and postoperative complications. Pre- and postoperative aesthetics, including degree of sunken eyelid deformity, were assessed by two independent raters and by self-reported patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Forty-nine consecutive patients were identified, all of whom were female and had grade I or II sunken eyelid deformity. Median follow-up was 8 months. Concomitant deformities included high tarsal crease (N = 31 patients, 63.3%), ptosis (N = 13, 26.5%), and upper eyelid retraction (N = 5, 10.2%). Almost patients had improvement in their eyelid volume, and 95.9% had improvement in their aesthetic rating. Approximately 93.9% of patients were satisfied with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The POR technique is an effective technique for correction of sunken eyelid deformity and can be utilized in conjunction with other techniques during secondary blepharoplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Clinical, Histologic, and Transcriptomic Evaluation of Sequential Fat Grafting for Morphea: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial.

Importance: Morphea is a rare disease of unknown etiology without satisfactory treatment for skin sclerosis and soft tissue atrophy. Objective: To provide clinical, histologic, and transcriptome evidence of the antisclerotic and regenerative effects of sequential fat grafting with fresh fat and cryopreserved stromal vascular fraction gel (SVF gel) for morphea. Design, Setting, and Participants: This single-center, nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted between January 2022 and March 2023 in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University and included adult participants with early-onset or late-onset morphea who presented with varying degrees of skin sclerosis and soft tissue defect. Interventions: Group 1 received sequential grafting of fresh fat and cryopreserved SVF gel (at 1 and 2 months postoperation). Group 2 received single autologous fat grafting. All patients were included in a 12-month follow-up. Main Outcome and Measures: The primary outcome included changes in the modified Localized Scleroderma Skin Severity Index (mLoSSI) and Localized Scleroderma Skin Damage Index (LoSDI) scores as evaluated by 2 independent blinded dermatologists. The histologic and transcriptome changes of morphea skin lesions were also evaluated. Results: Of 44 patients (median [IQR] age, 26 [23-33] years; 36 women [81.8%]) enrolled, 24 (54.5%) were assigned to group 1 and 20 (45.5%) to group 2. No serious adverse events were noted. The mean (SD) mLoSSI scores at 12 months showed a 1.6 (1.50) decrease in group 1 and 0.9 (1.46) in group 2 (P = .13), whereas the mean (SD) LoSDI scores at 12 months showed a 4.3 (1.34) decrease in group 1 and 2.1 (1.07) in group 2 (P < .001), indicating that group 1 had more significant improvement in morphea skin damage but not disease activity compared with group 2. Histologic analysis showed improved skin regeneration and reduced skin sclerosis in group 1, whereas skin biopsy specimens of group 2 patients did not show significant change. Transcriptome analysis of skin biopsy specimens from group 1 patients suggested that tumor necrosis factor α signaling via NFκB might contribute to the immunosuppressive and antifibrotic effect of sequential fat grafting. A total of 15 hub genes were captured, among which many associated with morphea pathogenesis were downregulated and validated by immunohistochemistry, such as EDN1, PAI-1, and CTGF. Conclusions and Relevance: The results of this nonrandomized trial suggest that sequential fat grafting with fresh fat and cryopreserved SVF gel was safe and its therapeutic effect was superior to that of single autologous fat grafting with improved mLoSSI and LoSDI scores. Histological and transcriptomic changes further support the effectiveness after treatment. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry identifier: ChiCTR2200058003.

Technical Refinements and Outcomes Assessment in Prepectoral Pocket Conversion After Postmastectomy Radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Several studies show how submuscular breast reconstruction is linked to animation deformity, shoulder dysfunction, and increased postoperative chest pain, when compared to prepectoral breast reconstruction. In solving all these life-impairing side effects, prepectoral implant pocket conversion has shown encouraging results. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to propose a refinement of the prepectoral implant pocket conversion applied to previously irradiated patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study on 42 patients who underwent previous nipple- or skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate submuscular reconstruction, followed by radiotherapy. We performed fat grafting sessions as regenerative pretreatment. Six months after the last fat graft, we performed the conversion, with prepectoral placement of micropolyurethane foam-coated implants. We investigated the preconversion and postconversion differences in upper limb range of motion, Upper Extremity Functional Index, and patient satisfaction with the breast and physical well-being of the chest. RESULTS: We reported a resolution of animation deformity in 100% of cases. The range of motion and the Upper Extremity Functional Index scores were statistically improved after prepectoral implant pocket conversion. BREAST-Q scores for satisfaction with the breast and physical well-being of the chest were also improved. CONCLUSIONS: The refined prepectoral implant pocket conversion is a reliable technique for solving animation deformity and improving quality of life in patients previously treated with submuscular reconstruction and radiotherapy.