Abstract
Abstract
Background
Vulvovaginal laxity, atrophic vaginitis, and orgasmic dysfunction are not only aesthetic but also sexual problems. Autologous fat grafting (AFG) facilitates tissue rejuvenation through the effects of adipose-derived stem cells; the fat grafts serve as soft-tissue filler. However, few studies have reported the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing vulvovaginal AFG.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to describe a new technique, micro-autologous fat transplantation (MAFT), for AFG in the vulvovaginal area. Posttreatment histologic changes in the vaginal canal that imply improved sexual function were assessed.
Methods
This retrospective study enrolled females who underwent vulvovaginal AFG performed through MAFT between June 2017 and 2020. Assessments were based on the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and on histologic and immunohistochemical staining.
Results
In total, 20 female patients (mean age, 38.1 years) were included. On average, 21.9 mL of fat was injected into the vagina and 20.8 mL in the vulva and mons pubis area. Six months afterwards, the patients’ mean total FSFI score (68.6) was significantly higher than that at baseline (43.8; P < .001). Histologic and immunohistochemical staining of vaginal tissues revealed substantially increased levels of neocollagenesis, neoangiogenesis, and estrogen receptors. By contrast, the level of protein gene product 9.5, which is associated with neuropathic pain, was considerably lower after AFG.
Conclusions
AFG performed through MAFT in the vulvovaginal area may help manage sexual function–related problems in females. In addition, this technique improves aesthetics, restores tissue volume, alleviates dyspareunia with lubrication, and reduces scar tissue pain.
Funder
Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan
Kaohsiung Medical University
Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital
Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital
Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital
Childhood Burn Foundation of the Republic of China
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Cited by
2 articles.
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