Effects of Long-Term Cryopreservation on Fat Grafts: An Experimental Study

Abstract

The main drawback of free fat injection is the unpredictable resorption of the grafted fat, the rate of which has been reported to be between 30% and 70%. The reasons for this variability include different donor site preparation techniques, harvesting methods, instruments, fat grafting and injection techniques, grafting intervals, and methods of analysis. These variations have made it difficult to compare studies [1-5]. The high and diverse absorption rates result in uncertain clinical outcomes, and absorption requires additional grafts, which mean repeated harvesting procedures. Repeated harvesting procedures can increase cost and surgical risks, as well as patient pain and discomfort. Thus, overcorrection and repeated injections are generally accepted solutions, although cryopreservation of the harvested fat has been attempted in a number of studies. However, the problems of resorption and unpredictable results are even greater with cryopreserved fat [5-7]. There is no universal agreement on the fate of the cryopreserved fat, and the survival of adipocytes preserved in a general freezer without a cryoprotective agent is still controversial. Hee Jong Lee, Eun Key Kim