Adipose tissue for reconstruction and wound healing: applications, challenges, and future directions

Adipose tissue has emerged as an important therapeutic resource in regenerative medicine due to its accessibility and its rich content of regenerative cells and bioactive factors. Adipose-derived products, including lipoaspirate, stromal vascular fraction (SVF), and adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (AD-MSCs), are increasingly used in clinical practice for tissue reconstruction, wound healing, and the treatment of complex tissue defects. In this review, we summarize current clinical applications of adipose tissue-based therapies, focusing on their role in tissue regeneration and wound management. We briefly discuss adipose tissue harvesting techniques and the biological characteristics of AD-MSCs relevant to their therapeutic use. Attention is given to clinical evidence regarding efficacy, safety, and translational challenges associated with SVF- and AD-MSC-based interventions. We highlight current limitations and future directions for the integration of adipose tissue-derived therapies into regenerative and reconstructive medicine.