Sharp Vs Blunt needle injection technique for Autologous Fat Grafting in Burn Scars: A Comparative study

Autologous fat grafting is a promising modality for burn scar improvement due to its potential for tissue regeneration. However, the effectiveness of injection methods remains debated. This study compares sharp versus blunt needle techniques for adipose tissue transplantation into burn scars.

Nineteen patients with mature burn scars underwent split-scar fat grafting using both blunt and sharp needle injections. Fat was harvested, processed, and injected at 0.5 cc/cm² under anesthesia. Scars were clinically assessed using POSAS by both observers and patients at baseline and six months post-procedure. Statistical analyses compared changes in scar quality and complication rates between groups.

Both injection methods produced significant improvements in scar pliability, pigmentation, and overall appearance according to patient and observer POSAS scores. No statistically significant differences in efficacy or complication rates were found between sharp and blunt needle injections.

This study confirmed that fat injection has been capable of improving the quality of burn scar, regardless of blunt Vs sharp needle technique with similar complication rates. However, sharp injection of fat in burn scar is technically easier and faster compared to blunt injection.