Use of Microcannula Closed Syringe System for Safe and Effective Lipoaspiration and Small Volume Autologous Fat Grafting

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to provide background on methods of acquiring autologous adipose tissue as a tissue graft and a source of adult progenitor cells for use in cosmetic plastic surgery; to discuss the background and mechanisms of action of closed syringe vacuum lipoaspiration, with emphasis on accessing adipose tissues for use in aesthetic, structural reconstruction and regenerative applications; and to explain a proven protocol for acquiring high-quality autologous fat grafts with use of closed syringe, disposable, microcannula systems. Materials and Methods: An explanation is provided for the components of and the advantages of using the super Luer-lock and microcannulas system with standard Luer syringes. Equipment selection is described, and a sequential explanation is presented for conducting minimally traumatic lipoaspiration in small volumes, including use of blunt injection cannulas to reduce risk of embolism. Results: Thousands of autologous fat grafts have been used in cosmetic surgery and have proven safe and efficacious for use as part of lipoaspiration techniques for large and small structural fat-grafting procedures. The importance and advantages of gently harvesting the adipose tissue complex has become very clear in the past 5 years. A closed syringe system offers a minimally invasive, gentle system to mobilize subdermal fat tissues in a suspension form. Resulting total nuclear counts suggest that this approach achieves higher yields than use of applied vacuum systems that are always on and use a constant mechanical pump. Conclusions: Use of disposable closed syringe lipoaspiration systems featuring disposable microcannulas offers a safe and effective means of harvesting small volumes (<100 mL) of nonmanipulated adipose tissues and accompanying progenitor cells within the adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction. This article presents a practical step-by-step protocol for acquiring high-quality autologous fat grafts.