Influence of Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction on Resorption of a Large-Volume Free-Fat Transplant Evaluated Using T3D Optical Scanning

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The main drawback of lipofilling is fat transplant volume loss, which makes long-term results unreliable. This study’s aim was to assess the influence of an adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) on volume retention in large-volume fat grafts. Materials and Methods: A murine model was used for the in vivo evaluation of fat-graft volume changes over 6 months. We used 28 immunocompromised nude NU(NCr)-Foxn1nu mice and human fat tissue as a liposuction by-product. Part of the fat tissue was used for SVF preparation. We created a fat transplant without SVF (SVF-) and with SVF (SVF+) groups. Large-volume grafts were injected above the sacrum and scapula in the same animal. Volume loss was evaluated using three-dimensional optical scanning at 14 days (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months (T3) after transplantation. Scans were processed with Artec Studio software to obtain stereolithography files. The volumes were calculated in RapidForm software 2006. Results: The highest volume loss was observed above the scapula at T3 (SVF- 85%; SVF+ 75%). There was a significant difference in volume between SVF-/SVF+ for grafts above the sacrum at T2, with lower loss in SVF+, and the significance became stronger at T3. The difference in volume loss was also significant above the scapula between SVF-/SVF+ at T3. Conclusions: Although we found a beneficial effect of SVF on the long-term survival of large-volume fat tissue transplants, volume loss due to other contributing factors was high.