Induced Beige Adipocytes Improved Fat Graft Retention by Promoting Adipogenesis and Angiogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Fat grafting is commonly used in treating soft-tissue defects. However, the basic biology behind fat grafting is still not fully understood. Evidence of adipose browning into beige adipose tissue after fat grafting was revealed, but its role in fat grafting remains unclear. METHODS: Induced beige adipocytes and adipose-derived stem cells were obtained from human lipoaspirates and labeled with green fluorescent protein. Nude mice were each injected with 300 mg of human lipoaspirate containing green fluorescent protein-labeled adipose-derived stem cells, green fluorescent protein-labeled induced beige adipocytes, or phosphate-buffered saline. Grafted fat was harvested after 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks for immunohistochemistry and histologic examination. Graft retention, vascularization, and adipogenic gene expression were compared. RESULTS: After 7 days' induction, adipocytes achieved browning with multilocular lipid droplets, increased mitochondria, and up-regulated browning gene expression. Fat graft retention rates at week 12 were significantly higher after injection of induced beige adipocytes than after injection of phosphate-buffered saline (46.0 ± 4.9 percent versus 31.0 ± 3.6 percent; p = 0.01), but were similar after injection of induced beige adipocytes and adipose-derived stem cells (p > 0.05). Induced beige adipocytes underwent rewhitening into white adipocytes and showed up-regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ expression. Induced beige adipocytes enhanced angiogenesis, but were not active in forming vessel structures. CONCLUSIONS: Induced beige adipocytes and adipose-derived stem cells were comparable in improving fat graft retention rates. Induced beige adipocytes promote angiogenesis in a paracrine manner and are prone to rewhitening after fat grafting.

Incorporating Fat Grafting with Facelift Surgery: When, How, and Where.

Facial aging is a multifactorial process with many articles over decades supporting various theories of varying causes. It is generally thought that aging occurs as a combination of changes in skin quality, gravitational descent of tissue with interaction of retaining ligaments on the ptotic tissue, and facial volume loss or the appearance of volume loss. The most significant cause of volume loss is skeletal remodeling and bone loss, which manifests as characteristic shadows and hollows on the face in conjunction with soft tissue changes that are yet to be completely elucidated.

Analysis of Abdominal Dermal-Fat Grafting to Repair Parotidectomy Defects: An 18-Year Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the outcomes of abdominal dermal-fat grafting following superficial and total parotidectomy. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of parotidectomy patients was performed. Patients were divided into four groups based on surgical extent and grafting status: superficial parotidectomy (SP), superficial parotidectomy with grafting (SPg), total parotidectomy (TP), and total parotidectomy with grafting (TPg). Complication rates and operative times were then compared between surgically matched groups (SP vs. SPg, TP vs. TPg). Complications included graft necrosis, gustatory sweating, first-bite syndrome, infection, hematoma, sialocele, and seroma. Data was analyzed via chi-square and two-sample t testing, logistic regression, and one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 330 patients: 106 SP (32.12%), 61 SPg (18.48%), 82 TP (24.85%), and 81 TPg (24.55%). No donor site complications occurred. TPg resulted in seven graft necroses (8.64%), and 22 reported gustatory sweating (27.20% vs. 10 TP patients (12.2%), P = 0.016); SPg resulted in two necroses (3.28%). There were no other statistically significant differences in complication rates. Graft recipients receiving adjuvant radiation were more likely to develop necrosis (odds ratio [OR] 4.60, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-18.27, P = .0194). Patients who developed gustatory sweating were 8.38 years younger (95% CI 2.66-14.10, P = 0.002, follow-up time > 48 days). Grafting did not increase operative times (TP/TPg: mean = 275.91/263.65 minutes, standard error of the mean = 41.96/33.75, P = 0.822). CONCLUSION: An abdominal dermal-fat graft is an excellent reconstructive choice for a parotidectomy defect and is not associated with increased complication rates or prolonged operative time. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 130:2144-2147, 2020.

Influences of Age, Gender, and Body Mass Index on the Thickness of the Abdominal Fatty Layers and its Relevance for Abdominal Liposuction and Abdominoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Liposuction and lipoabdominoplasty procedures frequently involve the treatment of the superficial and deep fatty layers of the abdomen. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present investigation was to provide comprehensive data on the thickness of the abdominal fatty layers in relation to age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). METHODS: The study investigated 150 Caucasian individuals; there was an equal distribution of males and females (each n = 75) and a balanced distribution of age (n = 30 per decade: 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60-69 years) and BMI (n = 50 per group: BMI ≤24.9, 25.0-29.9, and ≥30 kg/m2). Ultrasound-based measurements of the superficial and deep abdominal fatty layers were performed. RESULTS: An increase in BMI was associated with an increase in total abdominal wall fat thickness. The measured increase was related more to the thickness of the deep fatty layer than to the thickness of the superficial fatty layer (Z = 1.80, P = 0.036). An increase in age was associated with a decrease in thickness of the superficial fatty layer (rp = -0.104, P = 0.071) but with an increase in thickness of the deep fatty layer (rp = 0.197, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Age and BMI can change the thickness of both the superficial and deep fatty layers of the anterior abdominal wall, thus influencing the plan and conduct of cosmetic surgical procedures. Knowledge of the layered anatomy of the anterior abdominal wall, as well as its associated blood supply, is important for surgeons performing procedures in this area.

Does non-activated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) enhance fat graft outcome? An assessment with 3D CT-scan in mice.

BACKGROUND: The adjunction of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is emerging as a promising approach to enhance the long-term survival of fat grafting, but there are still insufficient data on its efficacy. The aim of this in vivo study was to assess the effect of the addition of non-activated PRP on fat graft outcome. METHODS: Human adipose tissue mixed with 20% of non-activated PRP was injected under the scalp skin of nude Balb/cAnNRj mice and compared to grafted fat mixed with 20% of saline. The fat graft volume was analyzed by a computed tomography scan until day 90 and immunohistochemistry was then performed to assess adipocyte viability and graft revascularization. RESULTS: At day 90, the volume of fat graft was not enhanced by PRP compared to the saline control group. However, immunohistochemistry showed that PRP significantly increased the fat graft area occupied by intact adipocytes compared to the saline group (72.66% vs. 60.78%, respectively; p < 0.05). Vascularity was also significantly higher in the PRP group compared to the control group (6695 vs. 4244 CD31+ cells/µm2, respectively; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The adjunction of non-activated-PRP to fat grafts significantly increased adipocyte viability and tissue vascularity. However, in contrast to other studies adding activated-PRP, non-activated-PRP did not increase residual fat graft volume until day 90. Further studies are therefore needed to understand whether PRP has a positive effect on fat graft volume. As 3D computed tomography scan is a reproducible and precise technique, it should be used to analyze fat graft volume changes over time.

Endothelial Differentiated Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Improvement of Survival and Neovascularization in Fat Transplantation.

Background: Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) assisted lipotransfer have been considered to facilitate the survival of fat grafts. However, emerging evidence of insufficient vascularization is another obstacle for fat graft survival in cell-assisted lipotransfer. Objectives: This study evaluated if endothelial phenotype ASCs with fat lipoaspirate improves survival and neovascularization in fat transplantation. Methods: ASCs were isolated from human periumbilical fat tissue and cultured in endothelial growth medium for 2 weeks. Fat lipoaspirate was mixed with fresh adipose stroma vascular fraction (SVF), endothelial differentiated ASCs (EC/ASCs), and fat lipoaspirate alone. Three fat mixtures were subcutaneously injected into the adult male Sprague-Dawley rat's dorsum at 3 locations. At 8 weeks after transplantation, the grafted fat lipoaspirates were harvested, and the extracted fat was evaluated using photographic, survival weights measurements and histological examination. Neo-vascularization was quantified by immunofluorescence and real-time RT-PCR. Results: Grafts from the EC/ASC assisted group had a higher survival rate, morphologic integrity, and most uniform lipid droplets. They also revealed less inflammation and fibrosis with increased number of vessels by histological and immunofluorescence analysis. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis indicated that the expression levels of EC-specific markers of CD31 and vWF were higher in the EC/ASC group compared with in the control and fat with SVF transplants. Conclusions: These results indicated that co-implantation of fat lipoaspirate with ASCs differentiated toward an endothelial phenotype improves both survival and neovascularization of the transplanted fat lipoaspirate, which might provide benefits and represents a promising strategy for clinical application in autologous fat transplantation.

Micro-fragmented adipose tissue for treatment of knee osteoarthritis with Baker's cyst: a case study.

Adipose-derived therapies have increased in popularity for treatment of painful orthopaedic conditions, such as osteoarthritis. We report the passage of fat into a Baker's cyst after injection of micro-fragmented adipose tissue in a patient with bilateral knee arthritis. Following fat grafting, the patient required drainage of fatty fluid from within the Baker's cyst on multiple occasions. Approximately 3 months postprocedure, she began to notice an improvement in her knee pain with no further recurrence of pain or swelling from her Baker's cyst.

Autologous Fat Injection versus Lundborg Resection Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Trapeziometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Various operative approaches exist for treatment of trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to compare the results of Lundborg resection arthroplasty with solely autologous fat injection. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint (Eaton-Littler classification stages III/IV) underwent either a Lundborg resection arthroplasty (n = 12) or autologous fat injection into the trapeziometacarpal joint (n = 9). Both groups were comparable regarding demographic and clinical data. Patient records were evaluated retrospectively regarding operative time; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire score; postoperative time until resolution of symptoms; pain level; grip and pinch force; and satisfaction with the treatment. RESULTS: Both groups had similar length of follow-up of at least 12 months. The duration of the operation was significantly shorter in the fat group (13 ± 5 minutes) compared with the resection group (31 ± 5 minutes) (p < 0.05). The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire score (resection group, 21.9 ± 6.2; fat group, 24.0 ± 5.0) and the pain level at follow-up (resection group, 1.0 ± 0.7; fat group, 2.9 ± 0.8) were comparable (p > 0.05). The time until complete resolution of symptoms was significantly shorter in the fat group (1.7 ± 2.1 months) compared with the resection group (5.7 ± 3.1 months) (p < 0.05). Grip and pinch strength and overall satisfaction with the treatment were comparable (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both autologous fat grafting and Lundborg resection arthroplasty resulted in improved function of the operative hand and a clear reduction of symptoms, whereas autologous fat injection seems to have advantages attributable to a shorter time until resolution of symptoms and shorter operative times. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

The Boomerang Lift: A Three-Step Compartment-Based Approach to the Youthful Cheek.

Autologous fat grafting is an important tool for plastic surgeons treating the aging face. Malar augmentation with fat is often targeted to restore the youthful facial contour and provides support to the lower eyelid. The existence of distinct facial fat compartments suggests that a stepwise approach may be appropriate in this regard. The authors describe a three-step approach to malar augmentation using targeted deep malar fat compartmental augmentation, termed the "boomerang lift." Clinical patients undergoing autologous fat grafting for malar augmentation were injected in three distinct deep malar fat compartments: the lateral sub-orbicularis oculi fat, the medial sub-orbicularis oculi fat, and the deep medial cheek (n = 9). Intraoperative three-dimensional images were taken at baseline and following compartmental injections (Canfield VECTRA H1). Images were overlaid between the augmented and baseline captures, and the three-dimensional surface changes were analyzed, which represented the resulting "augmentation zone." Three-dimensional analysis demonstrated a unique pattern for the augmentation zone consistent across patients. The augmentation zone resembled a boomerang, with the short tail supporting the medial lower lid and the long tail extending laterally along the zygomatic arch. The upper border was restricted by the level of the nasojugal interface, and the lower border was defined medially by the nasolabial fold and laterally by the level of the zygomaticocutaneous ligament. Lateral and medial sub-orbicularis oculi fat injections defined the boundaries of the boomerang shape, and injection to the deep medial cheek provided maximum projection. This is the first description of deep malar augmentation zones in clinical patients. Three-dimensional surface imaging was ideal for analyzing the surface change in response to targeted facial fat grafting. The authors' technique resulted in a reproducible surface shape, which they term the boomerang lift.

Use of Condensed Nanofat Combined With Fat Grafts to Treat Atrophic Scars.

IMPORTANCE: In addition to the physical deformity, there is often great psychological burden of facial scars for patients. In this study, we use condensed nanofat combined with fat grafts in a novel technique to improve atrophic facial scars by raising both the surface and the bottom of the affected area. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the use of condensed nanofat combined with fat grafting can be effective in treating atrophic facial scars from both an aesthetic and a functional perspective. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In this prospective case series of 20 patients with 25 atrophic facial scars, each scar was treated with condensed nanofat combined with fat grafts at the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. Postoperative results were evaluated by the patients themselves and by 3 senior plastic surgeon observers. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Multiple preoperative and postoperative examinations included the use of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) to evaluate both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the atrophic facial scars. Punch biopsy specimens were stained for the presence of melanin, elastic fibers, and cytokeratin (CK) 14 and CK19. Images were analyzed using ImageJ software, and the data were analyzed by paired sample t test. RESULTS: Twenty patients (6 men and 14 women; mean age, 38.25 years; age range, 21-62 years) with a total of 25 atrophic facial scars were treated between March 2014 and December 2016. The patients' mean (SD) scar assessment scores were significantly decreased postoperatively in the final examination for color, 6.40 (0.51) vs 2.40 (0.24) (P < .001); stiffness, 7.20 (0.37) vs 3.20 (0.20) (P < .001); thickness, 5.80 (0.73) vs 1.80 (0.37) (P = .001); and irregularity, 5.20 (0.49) vs 2.20 (0.37) (P = .003); and the observers' scores were also significantly decreased for pigmentation, 4.40 (0.51) vs 2.00 (0.32) (P = .004); thickness, 3.00 (0.32) vs 1.80 (0.20) (P = .03); relief, 4.40 (0.51) vs 2.40 (0.24) (P = .003); and pliability, 4.20 (0.37) vs 1.40 (0.24) (P < .001). In the final follow-up examinations, a significantly improved overall POSAS score was found among both patients, 28.80 (1.02) vs 12.20 (0.80) (P < .001), and observers, 18.00 (0.71) vs 9.20 (0.37) (P = .001). Enhancement of Fontana-Masson staining of melanin in the basal cell layer was observed postoperatively, and a significant postoperative change was detected for the mean (SD) values of average optical density from the preoperative measurement, 0.671 (0.083) vs 0.844 (0.110) (P = .01). The sebaceous glands and sweat glands that were not found in the preoperative images were seen postoperatively by immunohistochemical staining with CK14 and CK19. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Our preliminary clinical and pathological results indicate that the use of condensed nanofat combined with fat grafts may be an effective approach to treating atrophic facial scars from both an aesthetic and a functional perspective. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

[Hemifacial atrophy treated with lipofilling].

Autologous lipofilling is a relatively new method of reconstructing congenital and acquired soft tissue defects. However, long-term results are unpredictable due to varying survival rate of the fat graft, and additional treatments are often required. We present a case of a 53-year-old woman who had a right hemifacial soft tissue deficit and received lipofilling twice with no complications and satisfactory cosmetic results. We consider conventional lipofilling to be safe and viable for facial soft tissue augmentation.

Estimation of DIEP flap weight for breast reconstruction by the pinch test.

BACKGROUND: Various methods have been introduced for estimating deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap volume based on computed tomography or magnetic resonance angiographic images. However, when radiologic images cannot be obtained, estimations are subjective. The purpose of this study was to develop a prediction model for estimating DIEP flap weight using the pinch test. METHODS: The pinch test was performed at three paraumbilical sites using a skin-fold caliper in 107 consecutive patients who underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to develop a formula to estimate flap weight. Predictor variables included body mass index (BMI, kg/m2 ), flap height (H, cm), flap width (W, cm), and flap thickness (mm) measured by the pinch test at the following three paraumbilical sites: 5 cm right (R), left (L), and inferior (I) of the umbilicus. The model accuracy was tested using leave-one-out cross-validation. RESULTS: A prediction model was developed from the multiple regression analysis (R2 = 89.03%, P < .001); flap weight, g = -1308 + 24.57 × BMI + 6.80 × (R + L)/2 + 7.89 × I + 20.51 × H + 32.55 × W. The formula was implemented in a smartphone application, DIEP-W version 2.0, for real-time use. The mean absolute percentage error in the cross-validation was 12.15%. CONCLUSIONS: DIEP flap weight can be estimated by the pinch test with the developed prediction model in an easy, cost-effective, and relatively accurate manner. This method will improve surgical planning and allow surgeons to provide better counselling for patients when radiologic images are not available.

Reconstrucción mamaria con colgajo perforante de arteria epigástrica inferior profunda (DIEP) / Breast reconstruction with DIEP flaps

Introducción. La reconstrucción mamaria sigue siendo hoy en día un verdadero desafío para la cirugía reparadora, que tiene como objetivo principal recuperar la imagen corporal y la calidad de vida de estos pacientes. Para lograr este cometido se cuenta con un amplio arsenal terapéutico. La reconstrucción con implantes es la forma más común de reconstrucción en el mundo. Sin embargo, las técnicas con tejidos autólogos han ganado terreno en los últimos años por su mejor calidad reconstructiva y durabilidad en el tiempo. Material y método. El colgajo DIEP consiste en un colgajo libre, compuesto por piel y tejido celular subcutáneo de la región abdominal inferior, basado en perforantes de la arteria epigástrica inferior profunda. Brinda buenos resultados reconstructivos, sin sacrifi cio funcional de la pared abdominal. El objetivo del trabajo es resaltar algunas de las características más relevantes de esta técnica y la experiencia de nuestro servicio en su utilización para la reconstrucción mamaria. Resultados y discusión. La experiencia del servicio con la utilización de este colgajo ha sido satisfactoria, con buenos resultados, bajas complicaciones y aceptación por parte de las pacientes. Conclusiones. Si bien se trata de un colgajo que requiere una técnica microquirúrgica, con una importante curva de aprendizaje, logra devolver una mama con características similares a la contralateral en forma, volumen y textura, con el benefi cio estético del contorneado corporal abdominal y sin las complicaciones del uso del material protésico, considerándose hoy en día como una herramienta más a tener en cuenta para la reconstrucción mamaria.

Background: Breast reconstruction remains as a real challenge for restorative surgery today, with the main objective of recovering the body image and the quality of life of these patients. To achieve this, there is a broad therapeutic arsenal. Reconstruction with implants is the most common form of reconstruction in the world; however, autologous tissue techniques have gained ground in recent years for their improved reconstructive quality and durability over time. Material and Method:The DIEP fl ap is a free fl ap, composed of skin and subcutaneous cellular tissue of the lower abdominal region, based on perforators of the deep inferior epigastric artery, providing good reconstructive results, without functional sacrifi ce of the abdominal wall. The objective of this work is to highlight some of the most relevant characteristics of this technique and the experience of our service in its use for breast reconstruction. Results and Discussion: The experience of the Service with the use of this fl ap has been satisfactory, with good results, low complications and acceptance by the patients. Conclusions: Although it is a fl ap that requires a microsurgical technique, with an important learning curve, it manages to return a breast with similar characteristics to the contralateral in shape, volume and texture, with the esthetic benefi t of abdominal body contouring and without complications of the use of prosthetic material, being considered nowadays as one more tool to take into account for the reconstruction mammary.

Mycobacterium Chelonae Infection of the Buttocks Secondary to Lipofilling: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Mycobacterium chelonae is a nontuberculous mycobacterium, classified as a Runyon type IV mycobacterium. In relation to humans, it is most commonly associated with tissue trauma or pulmonary infections. The majority of medical reports describe finding M. chelonae in the surgical setting, attributing infection to inadequate sterilization of surgical equipment. Symptoms are often nonspecific and include pain, erythema, and draining subcutaneous nodules and skin lesions. Therefore, the diagnosis of M. chelonae is often difficult to establish without prior suspicion of the disease, but can be confirmed with culture. We will describe the case of a 40-year-old female who contracted M. chelonae infection of the buttocks after abdominal liposuction and gluteal fat injection. We will describe her symptomatology, diagnosis, and successful treatment with surgical excision and antibiotics. Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Controversies in Parotid Defect Reconstruction.

Reconstruction of the parotid defect is a complex topic that encompasses restoration of both facial form and function. The reconstructive surgeon must consider facial contour, avoidance of Frey syndrome, skin coverage, tumor surveillance, potential adjuvant therapy, and facial reanimation when addressing parotid defects. With each defect there are several options within the reconstructive ladder, creating controversies regarding optimal management. This article describes surgical approaches to reconstruction of parotid defects, highlighting areas of controversy.

[EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH OF CORE FAT TRANSFER WITH DIFFERENT DIAMETERS].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the survival rate of core fat tissue with different diameters by advanced fat harvesting instrument. METHODS: Based on core fat transfer by 1 mL syringe, the fat harvesting instrument was modified with different diameters, including 4, 6, 8, and 10 mm respectively. Between May 2014 and April 2015, the fat harvesting instrument with diameters of 4, 6, 8, and 10 mm was respectively used to harvest abdominal fat in 3 of 12 patients undergoing autologous fat transplantation. The glucose transportation quantities and the fat cell viability were measured. Then 64 nude mice at the age of 3-4 weeks were randomly divided into 4 groups (groups A, B, C, and D, n=16). And 0.5 mL fat harvested with diameters of 4, 6, 8, and 10 mm was implanted into the dorsal subcutaneous space. After fat transplantation, the mice survival and the appearance at the recipient site were observed. At 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after fat transplantation, the grafted fat was harvested for gross, histological and immunohistochemical observations; the intact adipocytes and capillary were counted. RESULTS: The glucose transportation quantities gradually increased with increased diameter, showing significant difference among groups (P<0.05). And the fat cell viability had a rising tendency, showing significant differences when comparing groups A and B with group D (P<0.05). With the time passing by, the protuberant appearance became flat at the recipient site, but the appearance of groups C and D was better than groups A and B. Normal shape of the fat and capillary were found in groups C and D. At immediate and 1 week after fat transplantation, there was no significant difference in fat weight among 4 groups (P>0.05); the fat weight of group A was significantly less than that of groups B, C, and D (P<0.05) at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after fat transplantation, and it was significantly less in group B than groups C and D (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between groups C and D (P>0.05). Histological and immunohistochemical observations showed better integrity of the cells, less necrosis, and higher vascular density in group D than groups A, B, and C as time extension. The adipocyte integrity of group A was significantly worse than that of other 3 groups at other time points (P<0.05) except at 1 week (P>0.05). At each time point, the capillary counting had an increasing trend with increased diameter in all groups, showing significant difference among groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: With diameters within 10 mm, the thicker the core fat is transferred, the better integrlity, higher vessel density, and quicker revascularization time can be predicted. So the postoperative appearance could be maintained longer.

Two-Year Follow-Up of Autologous Fat Grafting With Laser-Assisted Facelifts.

Skin tightening and improved facial contouring can be achieved through a variety of modalities including traditional facelifts, autologous fat injections, laser resurfacing, laser liposuction fibers, and includes the popular use of botox and synthetic fillers. Facial fat grafting has been helpful in treating the volume deficient aging face and can easily be injected following subcutaneous laser therapy. We will demonstrate in this clinical study that lasers and fat grafting can be used safely in combination with facelifts to improve skin contouring and tightness compared with single therapy. From 2012 to 2014, 31 patients received facial laser fiber contouring, facial fat injections and 25 of these patients underwent a concomitant facelift. Facial contouring was achieved using a subcutaneous laser fiber with the wavelengths 1064 nm and 1320 nm. After the laser treatment, fat injections were performed with 1-mL syringes and small injection cannulas. Standard surgical facelifts with were then performed. Results showed excellent improvement in perioral, periorbital, and cheek rejuvenation with excellent fat retention in the temples at 2 years.In conclusion, laser fiber contouring with autologous facial fat injections represents an excellent therapy for facial contouring and can be used safely and effectively in combination with facelifts.

Isolated Autologous Free Fat Grafting for Management of Facial Contour Asymmetry in a Subset of Growing Patients With Craniofacial Microsomia.

BACKGROUND: To report autologous free fat grafting as an isolated procedure to manage facial contour asymmetry of a subset of growing patients with craniofacial microsomia (CFM). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of CFM patients (n = 11) with low socioeconomic and intellectual status, poor oral hygiene, living far from our center, Pruzansky-Kaban I/II mandibles, without functional concerns, and with no craniofacial skeletal surgery who underwent isolated free fat grafting between 2012 and 2013 was conducted. Surgeon and parent/patient satisfaction were elicited. Computerized photogrammetric quantitative and qualitative facial symmetry analyses were performed. RESULTS: All patients underwent isolated autologous free fat grafting to restore the facial contour symmetry. Surgeon and patient/parent were mostly satisfied. There were significant (all P < 0.05) postoperative quantitative facial symmetry enhancement and an overall qualitative facial symmetry enhancement. CONCLUSIONS: A significant improvement of facial symmetry was obtained in this subset of growing CFM patients using only isolated free fat grafting.

Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction Differentially Expands Breast Progenitors in Tissue Adjacent to Tumors Compared to Healthy Breast Tissue.

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat grafts supplemented with adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction are used in reconstructive and cosmetic breast procedures. Stromal vascular fraction contains adipose-derived stem cells that are thought to encourage wound healing, tissue regeneration, and graft retention. Although use of stromal vascular fraction has provided exciting perspectives for aesthetic procedures, no studies have yet been conducted to determine whether its cells contribute to breast tissue regeneration. The authors examined the effect of these cells on the expansion of human breast epithelial progenitors. METHODS: From patients undergoing reconstructive breast surgery following mastectomies, abdominal fat, matching tissue adjacent to breast tumors, and the contralateral non-tumor-containing breast tissue were obtained. Ex vivo co-cultures using breast epithelial cells and the stromal vascular fraction cells were used to study the expansion potential of breast progenitors. Breast reduction samples were collected as a source of healthy breast cells. RESULTS: The authors observed that progenitors present in healthy breast tissue or contralateral non-tumor-containing breast tissue showed significant and robust expansion in the presence of stromal vascular fraction (5.2- and 4.8-fold, respectively). Whereas the healthy progenitors expanded up to 3-fold without the stromal vascular fraction cells, the expansion of tissue adjacent to breast tumor progenitors required the presence of stromal vascular fraction cells, leading to a 7-fold expansion, which was significantly higher than the expansion of healthy progenitors with stromal vascular fraction. CONCLUSIONS: The use of stromal vascular fraction might be more beneficial to reconstructive operations following mastectomies compared with cosmetic corrections of the healthy breast. Future studies are required to examine the potential risk factors associated with its use. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.

Rhinopharyngeal autologous fat injection for treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency in patients with cleft palate.

Patients with cleft palate are prone to velopharyngeal insufficiency. In minor cases or when hypernasal speech does not resolve after velopharyngoplasty, an augmentation pharyngoplasty with autologous fat can be proposed. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the short-term (within 2 months) and long-term efficiency (during the 24 months following the procedure) of our procedure in the setting of velopharyngeal insufficiency related to a cleft palate. Twenty-two patients with cleft palate related velopharyngeal insufficiency were included in this retrospective study. All patients were operated following the same technique, in the same institution. The pre- and postoperative evaluations included a nasometry, a subjective evaluation using the Borel-Maisonny score, and a nasofibroscopy to assess the degree of velopharyngeal closure. Scores of Borel-Maisonny and nasometry were compared before, shortly after the procedure (within 2 months) and long term after the procedure (within 24 months). Forty-one procedures in 22 patients with a cleft palate performed in our institution between October 2004 and January 2012 were included in the study. Nine patients had a previous velopharyngoplasty with persistent rhinolalia despite intensive speech therapy. In 14 patients the procedure was repeated because of recurrent hypernasal speech after the first injection. The average number of procedures per patient was 1.8. Postoperative nasometry and Borel-Maisonny scores were statistically significantly improved and remained stable until the end of the follow-up (median 42 months postoperative) in most patients. Complications were rare and minor. Autologous fat injection is a simple procedure for treatment of minor velopharyngeal insufficiencies in patients with cleft palate, with good long-term results and few complications.