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Acute adipocyte viability after third-generation ultrasound-assisted liposuction
Mark E Schafer1, Kevin C Hicok, Daniel C Mills
1Sound Surgical Technologies, LLC, Louisville, CO, USA. marks@sonictech.com
Aesthetic Surgery Journal
|May 31, 2013
Summary
Third-generation ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) yields viable fat cells for autologous fat transfer (AFT). This study quantifies adipocyte viability, confirming its suitability for AFT procedures.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Plastic Surgery
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Clinical success of autologous fat transfer (AFT) using third-generation ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) is established.
- Standardized quantification of adipocyte viability post-UAL for AFT is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess acute adipocyte viability after fat aspiration using third-generation UAL.
- To establish a baseline for evaluating the efficacy of UAL in AFT.
Main Methods:
- Lipoaspirate samples were collected from patients undergoing elective liposuction with third-generation UAL (VASER).
- Adipocyte viability was assessed using lipolysis and propidium iodide staining assays.
- Cytological analysis included cell surface protein examination and hematoxylin and eosin staining.
Main Results:
- Lipolysis assay showed a mean adipocyte viability of 85.1% (±11%).
- Propidium iodide staining indicated a mean viability of 88.7% (±3.5%).
- Washing and filtering favorably reduced aqueous and lipid content; cellular analysis identified blood and vascular cells.
Conclusions:
- Adipose tissue harvested via third-generation UAL demonstrates viability at the time of collection.
- This viable adipose tissue is a potentially suitable source for autologous fat grafts.
- Results support the clinical efficacy of third-generation UAL lipoaspirate for AFT.
