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The Impact of Fat Particle Diameter on Lipofilling Outcomes
Lauren E Kokai, PhD; Sheri Wang, BS; Taraneh L Jones; Kacey G Marra, PhD; and J. Peter Rubin, MD
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
2016-02-01
Presenter: Sheri Wang
Affidavit:
This material has not been previously published or presented at a major meeting. The work below represents the original work of the authors as described.
Director Name: Not a resident
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Basic Science Research
Abstract Category: General Reconstruction
Introduction:
In autologous lipofilling, adipose tissue is extracted from an area of excess through an aperture on a hollow liposuction cannula and reinjected into a volume void. As fat is suctioned through a cannula, it is particulated, creating globules of adipocytes and connective tissue. Literature suggests that the size of these particles may impact the long term survival of fat grafts, with larger particles receiving insufficient oxygen and nutrient supply in the recipient bed, resulting in central necrosis and graft resorption. We hypothesize that small particles (3-5 mm diameter) will produce superior fat grafting outcomes when compared to large (10+ mm) fat particles.
Methods:
Human adipose tissue obtained from panniculectomy was cut into particles of three diameter ranges and placed in a dynamic culture system. At four time points, tissue samples were quantified for markers of inflammation (IL1), hypoxia (SOD1 and GPX1) and adipogenesis (FABP4) using qRT-PCR. In a subsequent in vivo study, syngeneic mouse fat particles of known size were implanted subcutaneously in Balb/c mice. Study outcomes included graft retention out to 24 weeks, tissue histology for inflammation and macrophage polarization and qRT-PCR for inflammation, apoptosis and tissue regeneration.
Results and Conclusions:
Small fat particles have reduced inflammatory signaling and increased tissue adipogenesis in vitro compared with medium or large particles. In vivo, no statistical differences were observed due to particle diameter at any time point. qRT-PCR data suggested fat particles modulated inflammatory cell types during wound healing and particles with anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages had improved long term retention.
