Histological Properties of Adipose Tissue as an Autologous Tissue Filler Harvested from Different Donor Areas and Impact of Centrifugation

Abstract

Background: As a burgeoning technique in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, lipofilling’s success is hindered by the unpredictability of graft integrity and quality. This study addresses the critical need to enhance consistency and reproducibility by exploring the clinical utility of adipose tissue from specific body areas, considering the influence of patient-specific factors and mechanical processing on fat graft integrity and morphology. Methods: In a prospective, randomized, single-blind study, 52 patients undergoing surgical reconstruction due to significant deformities were enrolled. Lipoaspiration from four areas was performed. Adipose tissue was compared using five parameters of tissue damage and 10 parameters of graft integrity, assessed immediately postcollection and after centrifugation. The study aimed to evaluate the structural integrity and clinical applicability of adipocytes. Results: Morphological assessment revealed no significant differences in adipose tissue quality across donor sites, suggesting consistent graft quality regardless of the harvesting location. Centrifugation induced more morphological damage than noncentrifuged samples, but the overall graft integrity was maintained due to increased cell density. Higher graft acceptance parameters were noted in noncentrifuged samples compared with centrifuged ones. Conclusions: Despite centrifugation-induced morphological changes, adipose tissue integrity remains relatively unaffected, supporting a flexible approach to donor site selection. The consistent quality of adipose tissue underscores the potential for autologous fat transplantation across various clinical scenarios. Optimizing graft processing techniques is crucial for enhancing the predictability and efficacy of lipofilling.