Revisiting Fat Graft Harvesting and Processing Technique to Optimize Its Regenerative Potential

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Cell Biology
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Fat grafting is increasingly used for tissue regeneration.
• Ensuring the viability of stromal cells and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) in transferred fat is crucial.
• This study investigates factors affecting cell viability in lipoaspirate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of different liposuction cannula types on stromal cell and ASC viability.
• To determine the effect of varying centrifugation speeds on cell viability in fat grafts.
• To optimize fat harvesting and processing for enhanced regenerative potential.

Main Methods:

• Fat was harvested using two distinct liposuction cannulas (3-mm blunt tip vs. 2.4-mm sharp point).
• Lipoaspirate from one cannula type was processed with varying centrifugation speeds (0g, 300g, 600g, 900g).
• Stromal cell counts and viability were assessed, and ASCs were cultured to confirm survival.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in stromal cell yield or viability was observed between the two cannula types.
• Stromal cell quantification and viability were lowest in the non-centrifuged group and highest in the 600g group.
• ASCs isolated from the blunt tip cannula group showed higher yields and viability.

Conclusions:

• Fat harvesting technique using the evaluated cannulas did not significantly alter stromal cell or ASC viability.
• Centrifugation at different speeds did not significantly impact stromal cell viability.
• Handheld syringe liposuction effectively preserves stromal vascular fraction cell and ASC viability for regenerative applications.