Summary
Background
Autologous fat graft, by virtue of its volumetric qualities and its action on skin
trophicity, can be considered as a gold standard implant. Current techniques do not
allow very superficial or subdermal injections of adipose tissue. The authors report
technical modifications that enable fat transfer through a 25-gauge cannula. The viability
of grafted fat was assessed after subcutaneous injection on a murine model.
Methods
Micro-fat grafting consists of harvesting fat tissue using a multiperforated cannula
with holes of 1 mm. Fat tissue is refined as described by SR Coleman and transferred
through a micro-cannula. Initially, human fat was first harvested using two different
procedures: Coleman's technique and the modified harvesting technique. Preliminary
comparative histologic analyses were performed. Sixteen nude mice received human fat
tissue: one side was filled with 0.7 cc through a 17-G cannula using Coleman's technique,
and the opposite side was grafted using smaller cannulae (20G, 23G and 25G) following
the modified harvesting technique. Mice were euthanised at 12 weeks and skin biopsies
were performed.
Results
Experimental fat grafts on mice were observed and analysed: macroscopically, the fat
tissue of each side showed the same healthy aspect. Haematoxylin–eosin–saffron staining
revealed intact adipocytes and anti-CD31 antibody immunohistochemical staining highlighted
an abundant neo-vessel network.
Conclusion
Fat graft obtained by the modified technique maintains a normal histologic structure.
Fat injection with micro-cannulae extends the application of lipostructure to the
superficial layers of the skin.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 03, 2012
Accepted:
June 11,
2012
Received:
August 5,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
