Uniform Treatment Protocol With Hybrid Stromal Vascular Fraction and Platelet-Rich Plasma on Micro-Fat Grafting With...

Hybrid stromal vascular fraction (SVF), a combination of mechanical SVF (M-SVF) and stromal vascular matrix (M-SVM) fraction, is an alternative method to overcome limitations of low cell counts by conventional mechanical and enzymatic methods. The aim of this report was to observe the volume retention in facial fat grafts enhanced with hybrid M-SVF and platelets in pure platelet-rich plasma (P-PRP). Using a 5:1 v/v ratio, proportional volumes of micro-fat to proportional volumes and quantitative cell counts of M-SVF/M-SVM and PRP were delivered to palpebral-malar groove/malar fat pad units and evaluated by Vectra Analysis for volumetric changes over 12 months. Collective analysis of 9 female patients (average age: 65.6 years) revealed the percentage volume retention increased from baseline to 3 months (54.9%), then progressively declined to its nadir at 5 to 7 months (38.4%), then rebounded to peak percentage values at 10 to 12 months (69.5%), P > .05. Investigators' ratings on the Investigator Global Assessment Improvement Scale scores are assessed. There were no reported long-term side effects or complications. The application of M-SVF/M-SVM and platelets supported micro-fat grafting with simultaneous facelifting (necklifting) in a safe manner for patients older than 55 years of age in this preliminary study. However, the hypothesis-generated associations of SVF/SVM and platelets to improve volumetric fat changes were observational only, so that conclusions of a causal relationship could not be established in this limited uncontrolled trial. Thus, interpretation of results should be viewed with caution until future randomized controlled trials are completed. Level of Evidence: 4 (Therapeutic) For image description, please refer to the figure legend and surrounding text.