Cell-assisted lipotransfer for breast augmentation

Abstract

Lipoinjection is a promising treatment, but is currently limited by unpredictable outcomes and a low rate of graft survival due to partial necrosis. To address these problems we developed a novel strategy called cell-assisted lipotransfer (CAL) in which autologous adipose-derived stem (stromal) cell (ASC) supplementation is used in combination with lipoinjection. A stromal vascular fraction (SVF) containing ASCs is isolated from half of an aspirated fat sample and is recombined with the remaining half of the aspirated fat sample. This process converts relatively progenitor-poor aspirated fat to progenitor-rich fat. Our experience with the CAL technique showed that by transplanting the ASC-enriched fat tissue postoperative atrophy of transplanted fat grafts was minimal and satisfactory clinical results were generally achieved without any major complications, suggesting that ASC supplementation is both effective and safe. Further studies with longer follow-up are necessary to establish the value of this technique. Continued improvements in the technique could make autologous tissue transfer the first choice for breast augmentation in the future.