Cryolipolysis for abdominal subcutaneous fat reduction: A prospective, multicenter, single arm, clinical study.

Various treatment methods are used for noninvasive body contouring. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a newly designed cryolipolysis device using a three-dimensional cooling method for abdominal fat reduction. Twenty-five participants with clinically apparent abdominal fat tissue participated in the study. The thickness of fat tissue below the umbilicus level was measured using a caliper at baseline and 12 weeks after the first treatment. The height of abdominal subcutaneous fat tissue on ultrasonography and participant satisfaction were assessed at every visit for 16 weeks. All adverse events (AEs) during the study period were recorded. p values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Twenty-four participants completed this study; the mean BMI of participants was 29.34 ± 2.36 kg/m2 . The mean thickness of abdominal subcutaneous fat was significantly lower at 12 weeks (40.4 ± 6.8 mm, p < 0.001) than at baseline (49.3 ± 8.5 mm). Differences in the height of abdominal subcutaneous fat compared to that at baseline were 1.02 ± 0.41 cm (12 weeks, p < 0.001) and 1.13 ± 0.44 cm (16 weeks, p < 0.001). Rates of abdominal subcutaneous fat reduction at 12 and 16 weeks compared to that at baseline were 28.45% and 31.13%, respectively. The ratio of abdominal circumference to hip circumference at 12 and 16 weeks was significantly decreased compared to that at baseline. Most participants (95.8%) reported improvement in satisfaction scores at 16 weeks. There were no serious AEs during the entire study period. The study demonstrated the efficacy of a noninvasive cryolipolysis device using a three-dimensional cooling method for reducing abdominal subcutaneous fat.

Efficacy of a Novel Injection Lipolysis to Induce Targeted Adipocyte Apoptosis: A Randomized, Phase IIa Study of CBL-514 Injection on Abdominal Subcutaneous Fat Reduction.

BACKGROUND: CBL-514 is a novel injectable drug that may be safe and efficacious for localized abdominal subcutaneous fat reduction. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of CBL-514 in reducing abdominal subcutaneous fat volume and thickness. METHODS: This Phase IIa, open-label, random allocation study consisted of a 6-week treatment period and follow-up at 4 and 8 weeks following the last treatment. Participants were randomly allocated to receive 1.2 mg/cm2 (180 mg), 1.6 mg/cm2 (240 mg), or 2.0 mg/cm2 (300 mg) of CBL-514 with up to 4 treatments, each comprising 60 injections into the abdominal adipose layer. Changes in abdominal subcutaneous fat were assessed by ultrasound at follow-up visits. Treatment-emergent adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Higher doses of CBL-514 (unit dose, 2.0 and 1.6 mg/cm2) significantly improved the absolute and percentage reduction in abdominal fat volume (P < 0.00001) and thickness (P < 0.0001) compared with baseline. Although the COVID-19 pandemic halted some participant recruitment and follow-ups, analysis was unaffected, even after sample size limitations. CONCLUSIONS: CBL-514 injection at multiple doses up to 300 mg with a unit dose of 2.0 mg/cm2 is safe, well-tolerated, and reduced abdominal fat volume and thickness by inducing adipocyte apoptosis. Although other procedures exist to treat abdominal fat, they have limitations and may cause complications. At a dose of 2.0 mg/cm2, CBL-514 safely and significantly reduced abdominal fat volume by 24.96%, making it a promising new treatment for routine, nonsurgical abdominal fat reduction in dermatologic clinics.

Efficacy and safety of a novel combined 1060-nm and 635-nm laser device for non-invasive reduction of abdominal and submental fat.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined 1060-nm diode laser and 635-nm low-level laser therapy (LLLT) device for non-invasive reduction of the abdominal and submental fat. Forty-two healthy subjects received single laser treatment on both the abdomen and submental area. Ultrasound images measuring the thickness of abdominal and submental fat were taken at baseline, follow-up at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment. Waist circumference and body weight were also measured at all visits. Adverse events were recorded at all visits. Subjects completed a satisfaction questionnaire at the end of the trial. Twelve weeks after a single treatment with the investigational device, ultrasound images showed statistically significant (P < 0.0001) reductions in abdominal and submental fat by 18.62 and 26.4%, respectively. In addition, significant (P < 0.0001) reduction in waist circumference was observed. Ninety-six percent of subjects rated that they were satisfied. Noted side effects were transient mild to moderate tenderness which subsided within 1 to 3 weeks. No serious treatment-related adverse events were reported. The dual wavelength device combining 1060-nm diode laser with 635-nm LLLT was safe and effective for non-invasive reduction of both abdominal and submental fat.

Enhancing the Appearance of the "Six-Pack" Muscles Using Cryolipolysis: A Safe and Effective Method.

SUMMARY: Many individuals desire a defined and athletic body with "six-pack" abdominal muscles, but even with a strict regimen of diet and exercise, this result is unattainable for many. Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive method of reducing the subcutaneous adipose tissues lying above the rectus abdominis muscles, enhancing the six-pack appearance. Eleven nonobese adults with an average body mass index of 22.5 kg/m2 were enrolled in this study. All subjects were treated with the CoolSculpting cryolipolysis system, with most of them undergoing two rounds of treatment. Improvement in appearance of the abdominal muscles was rated using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, and adverse events and subjects' satisfaction scores were recorded. Treatments were well tolerated, with no reported instances of blanching, bruising, or blistering, and with only mild cases of edema, erythema, and numbness reported by some. Mean Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale rating was 1.7, corresponding to a rating of improved to much improved. Subjects were comfortable with the procedure and satisfied with the results. In conclusion, cryolipolysis is an effective and well-tolerated method for noninvasive enhancement of abdominal muscle definition.

Single-cell sequencing of human white adipose tissue identifies new cell states in health and obesity.

White adipose tissue (WAT) is an essential regulator of energy storage and systemic metabolic homeostasis. Regulatory networks consisting of immune and structural cells are necessary to maintain WAT metabolism, which can become impaired during obesity in mammals. Using single-cell transcriptomics and flow cytometry, we unveil a large-scale comprehensive cellular census of the stromal vascular fraction of healthy lean and obese human WAT. We report new subsets and developmental trajectories of adipose-resident innate lymphoid cells, dendritic cells and monocyte-derived macrophage populations that accumulate in obese WAT. Analysis of cell-cell ligand-receptor interactions and obesity-enriched signaling pathways revealed a switch from immunoregulatory mechanisms in lean WAT to inflammatory networks in obese WAT. These results provide a detailed and unbiased cellular landscape of homeostatic and inflammatory circuits in healthy human WAT.

Abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness as a substitute for BMI in predicting complications in abdominally-based autologous breast reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Patient selection for autologous tissue transfer for postmastectomy breast reconstruction often utilizes body mass index (BMI) to risk stratify patients, though it only estimates fat content and does not address fat distribution. This study aims to identify a measurement of abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness (ASFT) from preoperative computed tomography (CT) angiography imaging to better predict complications. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent an abdominal microvascular free flap breast reconstruction was performed. The average of the bilateral distances from the lateral border of the rectus abdominus to the most proximal point of the dermis at the L4-L5 space was measured on preoperative imaging to estimate ASFT. This measurement was compared to BMI in regards to correlation with any complication, major or minor complications, and donor or recipient site complications. Statistical analysis utilized point-biserial correlations and multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Three hundred and nine cases comprising a total of 496 breast reconstructions were identified. BMI did not correlate with any of the grouped complications, while ASFT correlated with occurrence of any complication (p = .003), minor complications (p = .001), and recipient site complications (p = .001). Further analysis revealed ASFT is specifically correlated with fat necrosis (p = .005). In independent multivariable regression models, both BMI (p = .011) and ASFT (p = .001) were significant predictors of fat necrosis. The ASFT model had a BIC of 335.42 compared to the BMI model with a value of 340.89, with smaller numbers representing more predictive models. CONCLUSION: Estimation of ASFT is easily performed and is a significantly better predictor of flap fat necrosis than BMI.

Feasibility Study of Electromagnetic Muscle Stimulation and Cryolipolysis for Abdominal Contouring.

BACKGROUND: In addition to reducing subcutaneous fat for body contouring, some patients are interested in toning the underlying muscle layer. OBJECTIVE: This feasibility study evaluated the safety and efficacy of electromagnetic muscle stimulation (EMMS) alone, cryolipolysis alone, and cryolipolysis with EMMS for noninvasive contouring of abdomen. METHODS: Abdomens of 50 subjects were treated in a study with 3 cohorts: EMMS alone, Cryolipolysis alone, and Cryolipolysis + EMMS in combination. Electromagnetic muscle stimulation treatments were delivered in 4 sessions over 2 weeks. Cryolipolysis treatments were delivered in one session. Combination treatments consisted of one cryolipolysis and 4 EMMS visits. Efficacy was assessed by independent physician Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), circumferential measurement, Subject GAIS (SGAIS), and Body Satisfaction Questionnaire (BSQ). RESULTS: Safety was demonstrated for all study cohorts with no device- or procedure-related adverse events. Independent photo review showed greatest mean GAIS score for the Cryolipolysis + EMMS cohort followed by Cryolipolysis only, then EMMS only cohort. BSQ showed greatest average score increase for Cryolipolysis + EMMS cohort followed by Cryolipolysis only cohort, then EMMS only cohort. Mean circumferential reduction measurements were greatest for Cryolipolysis + EMMS cohort followed by Cryolipolysis only, and then EMMS only cohort. The mean SGAIS improvement score was equal for the Cryolipolysis only and Cryolipolysis + EMMS cohorts, followed by the EMMS only cohort. CONCLUSION: A multimodal approach using cryolipolysis and EMMS was safe and demonstrated enhanced body contouring efficacy for this feasibility study.

Interesting case of an abdominal wall Merkel cell carcinoma highlighting the importance of developing an Australian clinical practice guideline.

A 66-year-old Australian male farmer was referred for management of an asymptomatic, rapidly expanding, anterior abdominal wall mass. It was firm and well circumscribed. There were no overlying skin changes, constitutional symptoms or weight loss. His medical history included small bowel obstruction and resection from a Meckel's diverticulitis and a 40-pack-year smoking history. Core biopsy was suggestive of a neuroendocrine tumour and Gallium-68-Dodecane-Tetraacetic-Acid (68GaTate) positron emission tomography revealed an avid solitary lesion confined to the subcutaneous space in the left anterior abdominal wall. Wide local excision was performed, and histopathology revealed Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Although classically regarded as a primary cutaneous neuroendocrine tumour, MCC may originate from the subcutaneous fat without obvious skin involvement. Older patients with asymptomatic, rapidly enlarging lesions, particularly if immunosuppressed, with significant ultraviolet sunlight exposure, should raise a high index of suspicion for MCC. Like melanoma, non-metastatic MCC should be treated aggressively for best prognosis.

Electrochemolipolysis of Human Adipose Tissue.

Importance: Body fat contouring procedures have increasingly grown in popularity over the years. As such, there is a need for inexpensive, minimally invasive, and simple fat reduction/contouring technique. Objective: To examine the acid-base and histological changes in ex vivo human adipose tissue after electrochemolipolysis (ECL). Design, Setting, and Participants: Panniculus tissue specimens obtained after abdominoplasty procedures were tumesced with normal saline. Two platinum needle electrodes were inserted into each sample and connected to a DC power supply. Voltage (3-6 V) was varied and applied for 5 min. Specimens were sectioned through a sagittal midline across both electrode insertion sites and immediately stained with pH-sensitive dye. A numerical algorithm was used to calculate the area of the dye color change for each dosimetry pair. Samples were also evaluated utilizing light microscopy (hematoxylin and eosin). An ex vivo human adipose tissue model was used for evaluating the effects of ECL. Results: Acidic and basic pH was appreciated surrounding the anode and cathode insertion sites, respectively. The effect was spatially localized and dose dependent. Statistical analysis of these data showed no significant difference between the mean area of the pH disturbance generated at the anode compared with the cathode at 3 V for 5 min (6.04 mm2 vs. 2.95 mm2, p = 0.40, 95% CI -4.8 to 11). A significantly greater area of pH disruption was generated at the cathode versus the anode in groups 4 V for 5 min (14.7 mm2 vs. 5.00 mm2, p = 0.032, 95% CI 0.93-19), 5 V for 5 min (15.5 mm2 vs. 6.72 mm2, p = 0.019, 95% CI 1.6-16), and 6 V for 5 min (22.5 mm2 vs. 10.0 mm2, p = 0.047, 95% CI 0.22-25). Acute structural changes in adipocytes were observed in all specimens. Vascular damage with adjacent adipocyte necrosis was prominent at the cathode site in group 6 V for 5 min. Conclusions and Relevance: ECL at the studied dosimetry parameters induced acid and base changes in human adipose tissue, suggesting its potential use in nonsurgical fat reduction as an ultralow cost alternative to current lipolytic devices and pharmaceuticals. Level of Evidence: NA.

Numerical Study of Hyper-Thermic Laser Lipolysis With 1,064 nm Nd:YAG Laser in Human Subjects.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop a numerical model for hyperthermic laser lipolysis in human subjects to improve understanding of the procedure and find optimal therapeutic parameters. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: A numerical model of hyperthermic laser lipolysis (HTLL) on human subjects was developed that is based on light and heat transport, including the effects of blood perfusion and forced air cooling. Tissue damage was evaluated using the Arrhenius model. Three irradiation scenarios were considered: single skin area irradiation without and with forced air cooling, and sequential heating of four adjacent skin areas in a cyclical manner. An evaluation of the numerical model was made by comparing the recorded skin surface temperature evolution during an experimental HTLL procedure performed on the abdomen of ten human volunteers using a 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser irradiation. RESULTS: A good agreement was obtained between the simulated skin surface temperatures and that as measured during the HTLL procedure. The temperature difference between the simulations and experiments was in the range of 0.2-0.4°C. The model parameters, which were fitted to the experiment were the perfusion parameter (0.36-0.79 and 0.18-0.49 kg/m 3 ·s for dermis and subcutis) and the subcutaneous tissue absorption coefficient (0.17-0.21 cm -1 ). By using the developed HTLL model and the determined parameters, temperature depth distributions and the resulting thermal injury to adipocytes were simulated under different treatment conditions. Optimal ranges of the HTTL treatment parameters were determined for different skin types, damaging adipocytes while preserving skin cells. The target subcutaneous temperatures were in the range of 43-47°C, which has been found to lead to programmed adipocyte death. The optimal treatment parameters were further used to define a range of recommended protocols for safe and effective multiarea cycled HTLL treatment of large body surfaces. Specifically, for the set of chosen optimal treatment parameters (4-5 treatment cycles, 1.2 W/cm 2 radiant exposure, and 60-130 W/cm 2 forced air heat-transfer coefficient) the threshold surface temperature during irradiation was found to be in the range of 31-38°C, depending on the skin type and heat-transfer coefficient. CONCLUSIONS: The developed numerical model allows for the calculation of the temperature distribution and the resulting injury to adipocyte cells within deeper lying fatty tissues under different clinical treatment conditions. It is demonstrated that by measuring the temporal evolution of the skin surface temperature and by stopping the laser irradiation at predefined skin surface threshold temperatures, it may be possible to monitor and control the effects of the HTLL procedure deeper within the tissue. As such, the model provides a better insight into the HTLL, and may become a tool for defining the range of safe and effective HTLL treatment protocols for patients with different skin types. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Abdominal Etching: Surgical Technique and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The ideal body is characterized by a muscular physique and defined anterior abdominal wall. Despite diet and exercise, many are unable to achieve this desired result. Liposuction with abdominal etching is used to achieve high-definition abdominal aesthetics. The etching technique is performed with liposuction in a superficial plane, to create indentures consistent with "six-pack abs," or definition of vertical abdominal lines. METHODS: The authors' abdominal etching preoperative markings, surgical technique, and postoperative care are discussed. The surgeons' experience with abdominal etching in 50 consecutive patients is reviewed, including rate of complications and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: The average patient age was 36.4 years. We had an almost equal number of men (n = 26) and women (n = 24), with an average body mass index of 26.7 kg/m. The average blood loss was 275 ml, the average tumescence was 6 liters, and the average lipoaspirate was 5 liters. There were no major complications such as fat embolus, deep venous thrombosis, or intraabdominal injury. The most common minor postoperative complications were contour irregularities (12 percent), seromas (10 percent), and hyperpigmentation (2 percent). The majority of patients were satisfied (98 percent). The average length of postoperative follow-up was 27 months. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal etching is a safe and effective method of creating a defined anterior abdominal wall for patients who desire the muscular definition of vertical abdominal lines. Almost all of our patients reviewed were satisfied with this procedure, maintained long-term results, and had an acceptable rate of complications. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Sub-Scarpa's Lipectomy in Abdominoplasty: An Analysis of Risks and Rewards in 723 Consecutive Patients.

BACKGROUND: During the course of performing abdominoplasties, a plastic surgeon will encounter a certain body habitus characterized by a thick, tethered, and excessively redundant upper skin flap. Often these patients also demonstrate diffuse and substantial fascial laxity. One approach to this problem involves direct thinning and release of the flap by resection of the sub-Scarpa's fat pad. In theory, this resection should be safe from a flap perfusion standpoint. However, the safety of the sub-Scarpa's resection has not been completely documented. OBJECTIVES: The author sought to assess the safety and efficacy of sub-Scarpa's lipectomy in abdominoplasty. METHODS: A total 723 patients were retrospectively examined and divided into 2 groups: those with (Group B) and those without (Group A) a sub-Scarpa's lipectomy component to the abdominoplasty. Because of differences in the baseline characteristics between the 2 groups, data analysis was performed with a logistic regression model and with propensity score matching. RESULTS: The sub-Scarpa's lipectomy technique allowed for substantial thinning of the flap: the average weight of the resected fat pad was 411 g. Wide undermining allowed for substantial fascial correction, and excellent results were obtainable even in challenging cases. The sub-Scarpa's lipectomy group did not demonstrate an increase in either minor (<5 cm2) or major (>5 cm2) flap necrosis. However, there was a statistically significant increase in fat necrosis and seroma formation in Group B compared with Group A. In both groups, an increasing body mass index was a risk factor for fat necrosis and major flap necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a sub-Scarpa's lipectomy during abdominoplasty is a useful technique to consider for selected abdominoplasty candidates. The risks of minor and major flap loss do not seem to be increased compared to the standard abdominoplasty, but the risks of fat necrosis and seroma formation may be greater.

Comparative thermographic analysis at pre- and postcryolipolysis treatment: Clinical case report.

INTRODUCTION: Although the exact cryolipolysis mechanisms on adipose tissue remain unknown, the current literature indicates that it may occur a crystallization followed by an ischemic reaction which generates an inflammatory process. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate thermographically, the tissue's circulatory pattern of a patient submitted to the cryolipolysis technique and the beginning of the inflammatory process, through variations of temperature gradients and the evaluation of the pains degree of the patient in these same moments. METHODS: A descriptive study, of an interventional case report, performed in an 18-year-old patient who had clearly visible fat in the lower abdomen area, with a skin fold greater than 2 centimeters and body mass index ≤ 30 kg/m2 . RESULTS: Comparing the maximum temperatures showed on the last thermography with the pre-application image, an increase of 0.4°C was observed, which is suggestive of abnormality. Regarding the minimum temperatures verified, there was a significative decrease in the temperature with the procedure, which was observed on the last 5 minutes (ΔT = 9.8°C). However, in 48 hour, the minimum temperature began to recover (ΔT = 0.3°C). CONCLUSION: The observed data indicate that there was a significant decrease in the temperature during the cooling phase, whereas in the recovery phase, the inverse was found.

Efficacy and safety of noninvasive focused ultrasound for treatment of subcutaneous adiposity in healthy women.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, a new method focused ultrasound (FUS) has been used in the treatment of localized fat. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the FUS in the treatment of abdominal subcutaneous fat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one healthy women were divided into two groups: G1 (N = 7), 6 sessions, 3 passes, once a week and G2 (N = 23), 10 sessions, 2 passes, twice a week. Outcome measures were reduction of circumference and fat thickness. Safety monitoring included laboratory testing (serum lipids profile and liver function tests) and adverse events were also assessed. Patient satisfaction and tolerance questionnaires were also applied. One patient underwent abdominoplasty and received a single session of FUS 24 h before surgery and a skin sample was collected for histological analysis. RESULTS: The results showed improvement in body contouring and reduction of the thickness of the fat layer observed by ultrasonography in both groups: G1 (P < 0.001) and G2 (P < 0.0001). The histology showed disrupted adipocytes and collapsed membranes 24 h after the FUS treatment. CONCLUSION: FUS represents an effective and safe treatment for reducing localized adipose tissue by adipocytolysis.

Condutas em lipoaspiraçã o entre cirurgiões brasileiros / Liposuction Practices among Brazilian Surgeons

Introdução: Desde a década de 1980, com Illouz, a lipoaspiração ganhou popularidade e representa hoje um dos procedimentos mais realizados no mundo. Algumas de suas complicações são graves e potencialmente letais. Não existe, contudo, uma uniformidade em sua prática ou no seu ensino. A avaliação das técnicas empregadas por cirurgiões plásticos pode ser o início de uma padronização. Métodos: Foi aplicado um questionário sobre lipoaspiração no 52º Congresso Brasileiro de Cirurgia Plástica para cirurgiões plásticos de diferentes faixas etárias e regiões do Brasil, presentes no evento. Resultados: Foram contabilizados 243 questionários preenchidos (n = 243). O número médio de incisões foi de 9 (2 - 16). Duzentos e quarenta e um cirurgiões (99%) realizam incisões na linha mediana/ paramediana anteriormente e 236 (97%) incisam na linha mediana/paramediana na região posterior. Aproximadamente metade dos questionados utilizam a anestesia geral. Duzentos e nove cirurgiões (86%) posicionam o paciente em decúbito ventral durante o procedimento. A lipoaspiração superficial é realizada por 146 (60%) entrevistados, sendo que 22 (9%) fazem a aspiração apenas desta camada adiposa. Oitenta e cinco (35%) participantes relatam controlar a pressão do aparelho durante o procedimento. Conclusão: A lipoaspiração realizada no Brasil apresenta grande variação técnica. Essa constatação nos faz refletir sobre a necessidade de uma uniformização de sua prática e ensino a fim de aumentar o controle e a segurança do procedimento.

Introduction: Since the 1980s, with Illouz, liposuction has gained popularity and represents one of the most commonly performed procedures in the world today. Some of the complications are serious and potentially lethal. Nevertheless, uniformity in its practice or the manner in which it is taught does not exist. Evaluating techniques employed by plastic surgeons may be the start toward standardization. Methods: A questionnaire on liposuction was given to plastic surgeons of different age groups and from regions of Brazil who were present at the 52nd Brazilian Conference for Plastic Surgery. Results: Two hundred forty-three questionnaires were filled out (n = 243). The average number of incisions was 9 (2­16). Two hundred fortyone surgeons (99%) made incisions along the anterior median/ paramedian line, and 236 (97%) made incisions on the posterior median/paramedian line. Approximately half of those surveyed utilized general anesthesia. Two hundred nine surgeons (86%) placed the patient in the prone position during the procedure. One hundred forty-six (60%) interviewees performed superficial liposuction, with 22 (9%) performing liposuction only on this adipose layer. Eighty-five (35%) participants reported controlling the apparatus's pressure during the procedure. Conclusion: Liposuction procedures performed in Brazil have significant technical variations. This finding encourages us to reflect on the need to standardize liposuction practice and the manner in which it is taught so as to increase control over the procedure and its safety.

Enhancement of Progenitor Cells by Two-Step Centrifugation of Emulsified Lipoaspirates.

BACKGROUND: Adipose-derived stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells, and soluble factors jointly contribute to the regenerative effect of fat grafts. Nanofat grafting emulsifies the lipoaspirate and increases the progenitor cell yield. In the present study, the authors evaluated their extended nanofat grafting method that includes two additional centrifugation steps and results in a lipoaspirate of low volume that they termed "lipoconcentrate." Furthermore, the authors investigated the oily fractions after centrifugation for their regenerative potential. METHODS: Lipoaspirates of 20 healthy patients were processed by emulsification and/or centrifugation. Six groups were created: native (not emulsified) fat, 1× centrifuged native fat, 2× centrifuged native fat, nanofat (emulsified), 1× centrifuged nanofat, and lipoconcentrate (i.e., 2× centrifuged nanofat). The oily phases after the centrifugation steps were collected. Progenitor cells and basic fibroblast growth factor, insulin-like growth factor 1, matrix metalloproteinase-9, platelet-derived growth factor-BB, and vascular endothelial growth factor-A levels were measured by flow cytometry and immunoassays. RESULTS: Lipoconcentrate contained significantly higher numbers of adipose-derived stem cells and endothelial progenitor cells per gram compared with all other fractions. No difference of all five soluble factors between groups was found. The oily phases after centrifugation showed no or very few adipose-derived stem cells and endothelial progenitor cells, and no or very low levels of soluble factors. CONCLUSIONS: Centrifugation of emulsified lipoaspirates increases the progenitor cell count in the lipoaspirate. The oily phase after centrifugation of lipoaspirates may be disposable because of the minuscule content of progenitor cells and soluble factors.

Evaluation of extended antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing indicated non-cosmetic panniculectomy at the time of gynecologic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Panniculectomy at time of gynecologic surgery is used to improve visualization and prevent major complications in morbidly obese patients. We examine the role of extended antibiotic prophylaxis in prevention of surgical site infections (SSI), specifically based on patient risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, smoking). METHODS: A prospective cohort study of all women who underwent panniculectomy at the time of gynecologic surgery from September 2014 to March 2016 at a university-affiliated hospital. The EAP cohort received standard antibiotics (cefazolin, 2 g) and continued oral antibiotic (doxycycline) for 10 days afterwards. Patients in this cohort were compared to historical controls from the same institution from 1990 to 2014. Specific attention was paid to the reduction of SSIs in patients with hypertension, diabetes, and a history of smoking. RESULTS: The mean age was 56.0 ± 12.6 years, and mean body mass index 44.5 ± 9.3 kg/m2 (range 31-63.4 kg/m2 ). The EAP cohort experienced fewer surgical-site infections overall, however these results were not significantly decreased from the historical controls, (13/56 [23.2%] vs 94/300 [31.3%]; P = 0.469). CONCLUSION: Though initially promising, extended antibiotic prophylaxis did not reduce surgical site infections in the obese women after indicated non-cosmetic panniculectomy at the time of gynecologic surgery.