Physical, Biochemical, and Biologic Properties of Fat Graft Processed via Different Methods

Clinical use of autologous fat for correction of soft-tissue defects in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures has grown in popularity. Graft processing is implicated as one of the variable factors affecting quality, viability, and subsequent graft survival. This study analyzed the in vitro physical and biologic characteristics of lipoaspirate processed using different techniques.

Fresh lipoaspirates from patients with informed consent were processed by 4 methods: decantation, centrifugation, the REVOLVE System, and PureGraft. Processed fat grafts were analyzed for yield, composition, tissue particle size and morphology, and viability and function of adipocytes and stem cells. Fat tissue harvested from waste containers of REVOLVE and PureGraft and trapped on REVOLVE paddles was also evaluated.

Grafts produced by the filtration systems contained the highest percentage of fat tissue, whereas those from decantation contained the lowest percentage, although they have the highest volume yield. In addition, grafts from REVOLVE and PureGraft showed more large-sized particles (>1000 μm) than those from decantation or centrifugation. REVOLVE also preserved significantly higher populations of viable and functional adipocytes and stromal vascular fraction cells when compared with other processing methods. Tissue particles in waste containers of REVOLVE and PureGraft were mostly (>85%) <300 μm and demonstrated a minimal number of viable adipocytes and stem cells. Fat tissues trapped on REVOLVE paddles contained a higher percentage of noninjectable and fibrous collagen bundles.

Different processing methods result in fat grafts with varying physical and biologic properties, which may contribute to fat graft viability and retention in vivo.