Fat Transfer Research Articles

Complications Associated with Autologous Fat Transfer: Case Report and Literature Review

Complications Associated with Autologous Fat Transfer: Case Report and Literature Review

Fat transfer breast augmentation: 12-year experience

Fat transfer breast augmentation: 12-year experience

Quantitative Assessment of Periocular Autologous Fat Transfer Survival Using 3D Stereophotogrammetric Imaging.

To assess periocular autologous fat transfer (AFT) survival by assessment of volume change with sequential 3D VECTRA imaging. Little is known about the patterns of graft survival of AFT in the periorbital region, especially in cases involving prior radiotherapy or trauma. The aim of this pilot study was to characterize fat survival following AFT in patients with a broad range of clinical indications, with and without a history of prior radiotherapy, for both periocular and orbital AFT, and in a subgroup of patients with an anophthalmic socket. A single-institution, prospective cohort study involving 18 applications of AFT for volume augmentation in the periocular and orbital area. All patients had sequential 3D VECTRA photographs following a validated standardized protocol. Patient demographics, including gender, age, ethnicity, underlying diagnosis, and volume of fat injected, were also collected. In total 13 patients were enrolled, 9 female (69.2%) and 4 male (31.0%). Mean age at the time of surgery was 47.8 years. Patients had volume deficiency secondary to a variety of causes; the most common cause was postenucleation socket syndrome following trauma in 6 patients (46.2%). The mean fat survival volume at the 1-month postoperative point was 70% and 55% by 6 months. AFT conducted with a multiport cannula for fat harvesting use had an initial higher rate of fat reabsorption with ANOVA p = 0.002, however, this was not observed at the later follow-up periods. There was no statistically significant difference in fat survival between abdominal or thigh donor fat sites. There was no statistically significant difference in residual injected volume at the early follow-up period between patients who had prior radiotherapy and those who did not p = 0.8496. AFT is an effective treatment for periorbital volume compromise with an acceptable survival rate in all categories of patients. Complex etiologies such as radiotherapy-related orbital and midface dysgenesis should not be a contraindication for AFT, with no difference in outcomes.

How We Do It: Large Volume Breast Tumescent Autologous Fat Transfer.

How We Do It: Large Volume Breast Tumescent Autologous Fat Transfer.

Lipotranferences in post neurosurgical esthetic defects

Background: There are numerous procedures in which, beyond adequate manipulation of the temporalis muscle and cranial closure, patients may present bone and muscle defects due to atrophy and consequent facial asymmetry, causing psychological discomfort and functional deterioration. The objective of our work is to combine the knowledge of plastic surgery and apply it to cranial reconstructions with fat transfers in post-neurosurgical patients, analyzing its results. Methods: During the year 2022, 45 fat transfer procedures were performed for the correction of craniofacial defects, of which 29 were female and 16 were male. All had a surgical history of pterional craniotomies and their variants, orbitozygomatic and transzygomatic approaches, with the consequent volume deficit. Results: The procedure was performed on an outpatient basis, with local anesthesia, and in an average time of 30–40 min. The lower hemiabdominal region was used as the donor area, processing the fat using the decantation technique and injecting it into the receptor area at the craniofacial level. The patients tolerated the procedure adequately without intraoperative complications or superadded events. Conclusion: Fat transfer is a minimally invasive, effective, and cost-effective technique that plastic surgery offers us to implement in post-neurosurgical patients, as it achieves natural results that stand the test of time.

Augmented Safety Profile of Ultrasound-Guided Gluteal Fat Transfer: Retrospective Study With 1815 Patients.

Gluteal augmentation with autologous fat transfer is one of the fastest growing aesthetic surgical procedures worldwide over the past decade. However, this procedure can be associated with high mortality from fatal pulmonary fat embolism events caused by intramuscular injection of fat. Ultrasound-guided fat grafting allows visualization of the transfer in the subcutaneous space, avoiding intramuscular injection. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of gluteal fat grafting performed with ultrasound-guided cannulation. A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing ultrasound-guided gluteal fat grafting at the authors' center between 2019 and 2022 was performed. All cases were performed by board-certified and board-eligible plastic surgeons under general anesthesia in ASA Class I or II patients. Fat was only transferred to the subcutaneous plane when over the gluteal muscle. Patients underwent postoperative follow-up from a minimum of 3 months up to 2 years. Results were analyzed with standard statistical tests. The study encompassed 1815 female patients with a median age of 34 years. Controlled medical comorbidities were present in 14%, with the most frequent being hypothyroidism (0.7%), polycystic ovarian syndrome (0.7%), anxiety (0.6%), and asthma (0.6%). Postoperative complications occurred in 4% of the total cohort, with the most common being seroma (1.2%), local skin ischemia (1.2%), and surgical site infection (0.8%). There were no macroscopic fat emboli complications or mortalities. These data suggest that direct visualization of anatomic plane injection through ultrasound guidance is associated with a low rate of complications. Ultrasound guidance is an efficacious adjunct to gluteal fat grafting and is associated with an improved safety profile that should be considered by every surgeon performing this procedure.

Imaging findings after a total reconstructed breast with autologous fat transfer: what the radiologist needs to know.

Abstract Autologous fat transfer (AFT) is an upcoming technique for total breast reconstruction. Consequently, radiological imaging of women with an AFT reconstructed breast will increase in the coming years, yet radiological experience and evidence after AFT is limited. The surgical procedure of AFT and follow-up with imaging modalities including mammography (MG), ultrasound (US), and MRI in patients with a total breast reconstruction with AFT are summarized to illustrate the radiological normal and suspicious findings for malignancy. Imaging after a total breast reconstruction with AFT appears to be based mostly on benign imaging findings with an overall low biopsy rate. As higher volumes are injected in this technique, the risk for the onset of fat necrosis increases. Imaging findings most often are related to fat necrosis after AFT. On MG, fat necrosis can mostly be seen as oil cysts. The occurrence of a breast seroma after total breast reconstruction with AFT is an unfavourable outcome and may require special treatment. Fat deposition in the pectoral muscle is a previously unknown, but benign entity. Although fat necrosis is a benign entity, it can mimic breast cancer (recurrence). In symptomatic women after total breast reconstruction with AFT, MG and US can be considered as first diagnostic modalities. Breast MRI can be used as a problem-solving tool during later stage. Future studies should investigate the most optimal follow-up strategy, including different imaging modalities, in patients treated with AFT for total breast reconstruction.

Autologous Fat Grafting for Post-mastectomy Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Fat grafting has been described as a potential treatment for post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS)following oncological breast surgery. The study's aim was to compare and contrast the current literature using a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the evidence. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. Databases, including MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), were searched. Data synthesis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4 (Cochrane Collaboration, London, UK), with 95% confidence intervals. All randomised controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies comparing lipofilling for PMPS were included. A total of six studies met the inclusion criteria with five articles being used in data analysis for the mean percentage reduction in visual analogue scale (VAS) score. The primary outcome measure was the mean percentage reduction in the VASpain score. Secondary outcomes included the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI) and the quality of life assessments post treatment. Overall, a total of 266 patients received fat transfer for PMPS, and 164 were in the control group. The mean percentage reduction in VAS score was 19.8 (10.82, 28.82;p < 0.0001). Secondary outcomes, including health-related quality of life, showed good outcomes post fat transfer. This involved breast softness, cosmesis, and psychosocial well-being. The results from this meta-analysis suggest that autologous fat grafting is an efficacious treatment for reducing pain caused by PMPS. The authors suggest more high-quality trials are needed to enhance the current evidence base.

The Versatility of the Lateral-based Mammary Flap as an "Auto-implant" for Enhancing Breast Mound for Patients Undergoing Primary Mastopexy.

The demand for augmentation-mastopexy surgery without using implants has significantly increased over the years. Fat transfer offers an alternative method, but some patients do not favor this procedure either. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the versatility of using a lateral-based mammary flap as an "auto-implant" for enhancing the breast mound for patients undergoing primary mastopexy. This retrospective study was performed between February 2016 and April 2019, including 36 female patients (72 breasts). Our technique involves using the inferior breast tissue by elevating the lateral-based dermoglandular flap that was moved cranially with a 90 degree rotation in a conical shape within the created pocket to refill the superior and central mound. The mean nipple projection was 11.2 after 36 months postoperative compared with 5.2 before surgery. The mean ± SD of pre- and postoperative measurements for the lower pole zone were 80.2 ± 10.5 and 50.1 ± 6.4, and those for the upper pole zone were 40.3 ± 9.5 and 63.9 ± 6.5, respectively. The distance of breast mound elevation after the surgical procedure ranged from 5.30 to 9.55 cm, with a mean of 7.90 cm. The lateral-based mammary flap acts like an implant that helps shape and augment the breast, enhances the mammary projection, and restores the breast contour without requiring a synthetic implant or fat grafting. It is a reliable technique with high patient satisfaction but is unsuitable for patients with insufficient breast volume.

Outcomes of Autologous Fat Graft Injection(s) in Treating Sequelae of Digital Trauma: A Case Series.

Background: Sequelae of digital trauma, such as painful scars adherent to tendons and bones, pain of neural origin, cold intolerance, skin and pulp atrophy, occur frequently. Autologous fat graft injections is an interesting option to treat these sequelae. The aim of this study is to describe the outcomes of autologous fat graft injections to treat sequelae of digital trauma. Methods: This retrospective study included all adult patients with digital trauma who underwent an autologous fat grafting procedure at our hospital between 2015 and 2019. The procedure was done at least 6 months after the initial trauma. Outcomes were assessed at least 9 months after the injection and included 2-point epicritic discrimination by Weber test (2-PD) and pulp circumference of the affected finger compared with the contralateral finger, a satisfaction questionnaire concerning the improvement of symptoms, aesthetic aspects and pain related to the operation, evaluation of pain by visual analogue scale, quality of life by SF-36 score and quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) score. We also assessed whether the patients had reintegrated a previously excluded finger. Results: The study included 14 patients. All patients received one session except for one patient who received two sessions. The average 2-PD of the injured finger was 7 mm compared to 3.57mm for the contralateral finger. There was no difference in pulp circumference between the treated and contralateral fingers. The mean satisfaction score for symptom improvement and aesthetic improvement was 3.36/5, and the mean score for procedure-related pain was 2.36/5. The mean VAS of the patients was 2.91/10, the mean SF-36 was 60.42/100 and the mean QuickDASH was 40.09/100. Five of the nine patients who had a previously excluded finger were able to reintegrate it. Conclusions: Autologous fat transfer seems to offer some benefit in patients with adherent scars and pulp atrophy. It has little effect on neuropathic pain. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Use of autologous adipose tissue in acute burn wound management: A systematic review

Fat transfer is increasingly used as part of our reconstructive armamentarium to address the challenges encountered in burn wounds and reconstructive surgery. The present systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of autologous fat transfer for acute burn wound management. A systematic review of the US National Library of Medicine, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase was conducted on October 15, 2022 (registration number CDR42022369726). A database watch was performed until submission of the manuscript. The review focused on wound healing. All studies reporting fat transfer in adult patients (at least 5 patients reported) with deep 2nd degree burn wounds were included. The database search yielded a total of 720 records and 367 patients were included from 3 studies. A statistically significant improvement in scar texture, scar appearance, and time to healing was reported in one study in the fat transfer group versus control (P<0.001). Similarly, scores for scar color, scar thickness, scar stiffness, and scar regularity increased significantly. The small number of included studies and their heterogeneity did not allow a meta-regression to be performed. This systematic review emphasizes the limited evidence currently available regarding the use of autologous fat transfer to improve burn wound healing in adult patients, even though it seems promising. Future search should focus on randomized controlled trials with a larger number of participants.

Latissimus dorsi flap with immediate fat transfer (LIFT) for autologous breast reconstruction: Single institution experience

BackgroundFew studies have reported the outcomes of LDF and immediate fat transfer (LIFT) during breast reconstruction. The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative outcomes and complications of LIFT and standard LDF (without immediate fat transfer) for breast reconstruction. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed charts from patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction after total mastectomy between 2011 and 2021. We compared intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between groups. ResultsOne hundred nineteen reconstructions (61.02%) were performed with LIFT, while seventy-six (38.98%) were performed with standard LDF. The median volume of total fat transferred during LIFT was 125-cc [110–170 ​cc]. The rates of donor site wound disruption (23.7% versus 12.6%, p ​= ​0.044) were higher using the standard LDF compared to LIFT. Reconstructions performed with LIFT (HR 4.01, p ​< ​0.001) were found to be associated with secondary fat grafting procedures. ConclusionLIFT is a safe procedure to enhance the volume of LDF in patients desiring autologous reconstruction without increasing recipient-site morbidity. On a time-to-event analysis, LIFT was associated with the requirement of further revision procedures using secondary fat grafting.

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

The safety of gluteal fat grafting is a global concern in plastic surgery. 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. 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. Blue dye fat transfer injection to the buttocks did not penetrate the gluteal fascia or muscle layers from the subcutaneous space while using ASR. Auto Stop Reach technology supports the safety of gluteal fat transfer in the subcutaneous space by board-certified plastic surgeons.

The Ergonomic FALD Flap for One-stage Total Breast Reconstruction.

The fat-augmented latissimus dorsi (FALD) flap combines this pedicled flap with immediate intraoperative fat transfer. Very little is described concerning its inset at the mammary site. Our efforts have concentrated on seeking the best flap orientation and skin-adipose paddle shaping, to improve the aesthetic outcome and to obtain a complete breast reconstruction (BR) in one stage. A prospective clinical study was performed in patients who underwent BR with FALD flaps, between December 2020 and March 2022. Patients were randomly enrolled into two groups: ergonomic inset of the FALD flap with vertical orientation of the skin-adipose paddle (group A) and FALD flap with traditional horizontal paddle orientation (group B). The study's endpoints were the evaluation of the aesthetic outcomes (from patients' and surgeon's perspectives) and complications. Thirty-two FALD flaps (23 patients) were performed for group A, and 31 FALD flaps (25 patients) for group B. The two groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic and surgical data (P > 0.05). The overall complication rate was homogeneous among the groups, without statistically significant differences (P = 1.00). The surgeon's assessments showed a statistically significant superior aesthetic outcome in group A regarding volume, symmetry, and shape (P < 0.05). Higher satisfaction was observed in group A patients, in terms of breast size (P < 0.00001), shape (P = 0.0049), and overall satisfaction (P = 0.00061). The ergonomic vertical FALD flap technique enables surgeons to perform one-stage total BR, with excellent breast projection and upper pole fullness. These refinements in flap shaping and molding reduced the need for further autologous fat transfer, obtaining a brilliant totally autologous BR without the need for microsurgical experience.

Breast-conserving surgery and immediate autologous fat transfer with or without neoadjuvant treatment: indications, technique, cosmetic and oncologic outcomes

Eduardo González, Gastón Berman, Hernán Ursino, Jorgelina Cavallero, María E. Azar, Martín Ipiña, Dolores Mansilla, Ornella Sturla

879 The Review of Autologous Fat Grafting Utilizing Negative Pressure for Breast Augmentation

Abstract Aim There may be a role for topical negative pressure in autologous fat grafting to breasts since it enhances angiogenesis during wound healing for open and closed wound. Here, we present a review of the literature on this topic. Method Medline and Embase were utilised, with searches ranging between 1960 – 2019. Terms (“Liposculpting” OR “Fat grafting” OR “Lipofilling” OR “Lipograft” OR “Fat transfer”) AND (“Negative Pressure” OR “Brava” OR “Kiwi”) AND (“Breast”) were merged as keywords. Inclusion criteria were females, autologous fat graft to breast with negative pressure prior to procedure. Studies were excluded if there was no primary endpoint or non-original article. Primary outcome measured was fat graft survival post breast augmentation with post-operative morbidity as a secondary outcome. Results Upon reviewing 219 articles, 2 met inclusion criteria. A total of 611 breasts were treated using negative pressure devices, with each cohort having different pre- and post-operative pressure settings. Khouri et al. cohort had higher graft survival (79%) compared to Del Vecchio et al. cohort (64%), however the latter had fewer complications compared to Khouri’s cohort e.g. fat necrosis, pneumothorax and infection. Conclusions There is still limited evidence regarding the use of topical negative pressure for fat grafting to the breasts. Autologus fat grafting to breasts without the use of negative pressure is shown to have graft survival of 60-70%. Given its potential benefits, more future studies are needed to fully understand the impact of this technique.

1142 Using Lipofilling to Improve Skin Quality Following Severe Radiation Necrosis to Enable Successful Joint Replacement – a Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract Case A 74-year-old female patient presented with severe osteoarthritis and pathological fracture of the left knee, following treatment with radiotherapy of osteosarcoma over a decade ago. Surgical management of the fracture was initially not possible, due to radiation-induced fibrosis of the skin. She was referred to the plastic surgery department where she underwent a total of three sessions of fat grafting over nine months. The rigotomy approach was applied to the large area of irradiated skin. As a result, her skin quality improved such that a successful total knee replacement was possible. The outcome of this was better mobility and improved quality of life. Conclusions Skin quality after radiotherapy can limit surgical options, even decades after treatment. Fat grafting, also known as lipofilling, is a commonly utilised reconstructive and cosmetic adjunct. However, recent reports of its effect on skin quality are gaining popularity. We present a case of successful use of fat transfer to improve irradiated skin quality prior to successful joint replacement; this is a novel use case which we believe to be the first published.

1224 A Systematic Review Exploring the Mechanisms Behind Autologous Lipotransfer for Radiation-Induced Fibrosis

Abstract Aim Radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) is a recognised consequence of anti-cancer radiotherapy, especially after multiple and prolonged dosing regimens. There is no definitive treatment for late-stage RIF, although the use of autologous fat transfer (AFT) has shown promise. However, the exact mechanisms by which AFT improves RIF remain poorly understood. We aim to explore existing literature on the effects of AFT on both in-vitro and in-vivo RIF models, and to collate potential mechanisms of action. Method PubMed, Cochrane reviews and Scopus electronic databases from inception to January 2022 were searched. Our search strategy combined both free-text terms with Boolean operators, derived from synonyms of adipose tissue and RIF. Results The search strategy produced 2645 articles. Of these, 76 underwent full-text review for eligibility, yielding 26 for final analysis. Eight conducted in-vitro experiments utilising a co-culture model, whilst 21 conducted in-vivo experiments. AFT interventions included adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), stromal vascular function, whole fat and microfat. Notable findings include downregulation of fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, epithelial cell apoptosis, and proinflammatory processes. AFT suppressed hypoxia and pro-inflammatory interferon-γ signalling pathways, and ADSC-treated tissue stained strongly for anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. Although largely proangiogenic initially, studies show varying effects on vascularisation. There is early evidence that ADSC subgroups may have different functional properties. Conclusions AFT functions through pro-angiogenic, anti-fibrotic, immunomodulatory, and extracellular matrix remodelling properties. By characterising these mechanisms, relevant drug targets can be identified and used to further improve clinical outcomes in RIF. Further research should focus on ADSC sub-populations and augmentation techniques such as cell-assisted lipotransfer.

Novel indications for autologous fat grafting in reconstruction: scleroderma

Scleroderma is a chronic connective tissue disease characterized by inflammation, vascular injury, and progressive skin fibrosis, resulting in significant aesthetic and functional impairments for patients. Current therapies are limited and insufficiently treat the cutaneous manifestations of scleroderma. Autologous fat transfer (AFT) is a surgical technique that has been utilized for many decades for facial rejuvenation. The adipose stem cells (ASCs) present in fat grafts have also shown significant promise for their anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. Recently, AFT has been repurposed to treat the skin manifestations of systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma. Studies suggest that AFT in scleroderma patients improves mouth and hand functions, Raynaud’s symptoms, and digital ulcerations. AFT is a safe procedure with rare postoperative complications, making it a promising intervention for the treatment of scleroderma. Further studies are required to better characterize the influence of fat grafts on the recipient site and to establish standards for fat transfer in fibrotic skin diseases.

Latissimus Dorsi Flap and Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap with Immediate Fat Transfer (LIFT and TIFT): A Retrospective Study about Total Breast Reconstruction in High-Risk Patients.

Microsurgical breast reconstruction has become popular over the past twenty years and allows a tailor-tuck approach to each patient. However, smoking or coagulation disorders may switch surgeon's choice towards alternative options. When facing these risk factors, we performed pedicled latissimus dorsi (LD) flap and thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap reconstruction with immediate fat transfer (LIFT and TIFT), achieving satisfactory surgical outcomes. Hence, we aim to present our seven-years case-series and discuss our decisional algorithm. Thirty smoker women and seven women affected by coagulation disorder (n = 37) respectively had LIFT and TIFT surgery and were retrospectively evaluated. Patients' demographics and outcomes were recorded and compared. LIFT patients received higher volumes of immediate fat grafting compared to TIFT patients (p < 0.05), which required additional lipofilling to provide adequate volume amount, since the TDAP flap was not immediately grafted. However, the additional lipofilling procedures and fat volume were similar (p > 0.05). Flap survival reached 100%, and flap necrosis or loss did not occur. Few minor complications were evidenced in the LIFT group only (p > 0.05). Based on our experience, we support the reliability of pedicled LD and TDAP flaps with immediate fat transfer in breast reconstruction as valuable alternative to microsurgery in smokers (LIFT) and patients with coagulation disorders (TIFT). However, the results of our study are not conclusive since still must be clarified the role of the smoking and coagulation disorders in microsurgery and the real benefit of a non-microsurgical procedure. Opinions of respected authorities, based on clinical experience, descriptive studies, or reports of expert committees. 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 .