Adipose-derived stem cells for soft tissue reconstruction

In soft tissue repair, there are several surgical options such as nondegradable, inert, synthetic, biodegradable implants or autologous tissue transplantation. However, the potential of using autologous adult stem cells derived from fat tissue is quickly becoming a clinical reality. The possibility of using an abundant source of extraneous tissue as a soft tissue implant has significant implications for plastic and reconstructive surgeons. This strategy would be particularly useful after tumor removal or trauma. The ability of adult stem cells derived from adipose tissue (termed adipose-derived stem cell) to proliferate and differentiate in vivo or in vitro is actively being studied owing to the potential implementation in reconstructive surgery. This review describes innovative research strategies and discusses the first clinical studies involving adipose-derived stem cells as a motif for soft tissue reconstruction.