A New Classification for Adipose-derived Stromal-cell Systems

Obtaining regenerative cells from adipose tissue and their clinical use has become one of the most popular subjects of plastic surgery. However, there is no accepted classification in terms of methods. In this study, classification is proposed for the first time as a new idea. Accordingly, stromal cells can be obtained from adipose tissue by two approaches: direct methods for the bonds between parenchymal and stromal cells, and indirect methods, which target parenchymal cells rather than strong bonds, and increase the stromal cell ratio relatively. These methods can also be subclassified as fat (+), fat (-), fat (±) in terms of using the remaining fat in the final product as a graft. Direct methods include adinizing and enzymatic techniques; indirect methods include emulsification and micro-fragmentation/micronization techniques. In the enzymatic method, the fat tissue in the final product is considered dirty because it contains enzymes and must be discarded. That is why it is a fat (-) method. The adinizing method using ultra-sharp blades is fat (+) because the adipose tissue after the procedure can be used. Because the fat tissue is exposed to blunt pressure in emulsification techniques, it cannot be used as a graft. Thus, these are fat (-) methods. In micronization techniques using filter systems, there may still be intact adipocytes; therefore, it should be classified as fat (±). Adinizing provides both the highest efficiency and the full use of the end product. This classification will guide clinicians in terms of choosing the right product.