Viability of Cells in Aspirated Fat Tissue after 1 Year Cryopreservation

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The use of an autogenous fat graft has become a common procedure in plastic surgery. However, questions remain concerning on the viability of fat cells and preservation method of aspirated fat. The purpose of this study is to examine the viability of fat cells stored at -20degrees C in the freezer for 1 year after harvest from abdominal liposuction. METHODS: Eighteen adults(aged from 24 to 65 years, 16 female and 2 male) were selected for this study. Harvested aspirated fat tissues were obtained by suction-assisted lipectomy and frozen at -20degrees C commercial refrigerator for one year(average 12.5 months). The viability of fat cells in specimens were measured after thawing. The numbers of viable cells were measured on a fluorescence microscope after staining with fluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide. GPDH(Glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) activity was measured. Cell culture was done for 3 weeks. RESULTS: There were no viable cells under the fluorescence microscope, no detectable GPDH activity, and no cultured cells. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that aspirated fat after frozen storage for one year at -20degrees C freezer is inadequate to reuse.