Enhancement of Autologous Fat Transplantation with Platelet Rich Plasma

Abstract

Introduction: Adipose tissue is readily available for autotransplantation. Over many years, the popularity of fat transplantation surgery has waxed and waned as a result of relatively inconsistent and unpredictable survival. Many factors influence the success of autologous fat tissue grafts, some of which can be controlled by the surgeon. Examples include the use of minimally traumatic cannulae, low pressure suction, careful handling of graft tissues, and aseptic techniques. There is emerging evidence that fat grafts may be made more reliable and consistent by careful selection of donor sites and by influencing certain healing mechanisms that control cellular recruitment, migration, and differentiation at the recipient site. Materials and Methods: This paper presents an innovative technique that provides a means to isolate autologous platelet rich plasma for use with autologous fat for the purposes of enhanced tissue augmentation. Results: The apparent concentration and greater quantity of cellular grafts observed after utilization of these techniques seem to yield a higher proportion of graft volume retention. Discussion: This technique is intended to promote or accelerate the healing phase after grafting, enhance the intended augmentation retention volume, potentially reduce secondary calcifications and microcyst formation, and maximize the transplant unit volume by reducing the extracellular fluids transferred with the grafts.