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Ahmad N, Anker A, Klein S, Dean J, Knoedler L, Remy K, Pagani A, Kempa S, Terhaag A, Prantl L. Autologous Fat Grafting-A Panacea for Scar Tissue Therapy? Cells 2024; 13:1384. [PMID: 39195271 DOI: 10.3390/cells13161384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Scars may represent more than a cosmetic concern for patients; they may impose functional limitations and are frequently associated with the sensation of itching or pain, thus impacting both psychological and physical well-being. From an aesthetic perspective, scars display variances in color, thickness, texture, contour, and their homogeneity, while the functional aspect encompasses considerations of functionality, pliability, and sensory perception. Scars located in critical anatomic areas have the potential to induce profound impairments, including contracture-related mobility restrictions, thereby significantly impacting daily functioning and the quality of life. Conventional approaches to scar management may suffice to a certain extent, yet there are cases where tailored interventions are warranted. Autologous fat grafting emerges as a promising therapeutic avenue in such instances. Fundamental mechanisms underlying scar formation include chronic inflammation, fibrogenesis and dysregulated wound healing, among other contributing factors. These mechanisms can potentially be alleviated through the application of adipose-derived stem cells, which represent the principal cellular component utilized in the process of lipofilling. Adipose-derived stem cells possess the capacity to secrete proangiogenic factors such as fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor, as well as neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factors. Moreover, they exhibit multipotency, remodel the extracellular matrix, act in a paracrine manner, and exert immunomodulatory effects through cytokine secretion. These molecular processes contribute to neoangiogenesis, the alleviation of chronic inflammation, and the promotion of a conducive milieu for wound healing. Beyond the obvious benefit in restoring volume, the adipose-derived stem cells and their regenerative capacities facilitate a reduction in pain, pruritus, and fibrosis. This review elucidates the regenerative potential of autologous fat grafting and its beneficial and promising effects on both functional and aesthetic outcomes when applied to scar tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nura Ahmad
- Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Anker
- Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Silvan Klein
- Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jillian Dean
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Leonard Knoedler
- Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Katya Remy
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Andrea Pagani
- Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sally Kempa
- Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Amraj Terhaag
- Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Prantl
- Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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Rageh MA, Fathi MK, Ibrahim SMA. Efficacy and Safety of Autologous Nanofat Injection in the Treatment of Postburn Scars Using Optical Skin Imaging Analysis. Dermatol Surg 2024:00042728-990000000-00889. [PMID: 39018082 DOI: 10.1097/dss.0000000000004322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Burn scars are considered one of the challenging issues that can affect the quality of life by causing aesthetic and functional problems. Injecting nanofat particles, which are considered a source of stem cells, into the dermis and/or subcutis of the burned area is considered a promising procedure for the treatment of scars and the correction of volume shortage and skin renewal. OBJECTIVE To assess the safety and effectiveness of using autologous nanofat injections to treat burn scars. METHODS Thirty patients with postburn scars participated in the trial. Each patient received one session of liposuction, which was then converted into nanofat and injected back into the scar tissue. Four months after the session, the evaluation was conducted both objectively using the Antera camera 3D imaging and subjectively using the Vancouver scar scale (VSS). RESULTS Because there were statistically significant improvements in the treated scars' height, color, vascularity, and pliability, the total VSS scores differed significantly before and after treatment. Furthermore, the Antera 3D imaging revealed a statistically significant variation in the treated scars' indentations, erythema, and pigmentation scores. CONCLUSION The study findings demonstrated that nanofat is a successful postburn scar treatment option that improves patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud A Rageh
- All authors are affiliated with the Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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Alessandri Bonetti M, Arellano JA, Scarabosio A, Liu HY, Giorgino R, Ejaz A, Rubin JP, Egro FM. The Effect of Fat Grafting on Scars Hyperpigmentation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2024; 48:989-998. [PMID: 38286897 DOI: 10.1007/s00266-023-03828-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperpigmented scars, particularly in exposed body areas, can be difficult to conceal and may evoke psychological distress. While the precise causes of scar dyschromia are not fully understood, alterations in melanogenic activity appear to hold more significance than changes in melanocyte quantity. Current treatments encompass laser interventions. However, it is essential to consider their costs and potential complications in relation to their limited proven effectiveness. Fat grafting has gained interest as a scar modulation technique due to its regenerative properties, and its efficacy in reducing scar hyperpigmentation is currently under investigation. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis was reported according to PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were accessed. PROSPERO registration number is CRD42023457778. The primary outcome was a change in scar pigmentation after fat grafting. Pigmentation changes after fat grafting were calculated using the standardized mean difference (SMD) between baseline and postoperative scores according to POSAS and VSS scales. Bias assessment was conducted according to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence quality assessment tool. RESULTS A total of 8 articles meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified, involving 323 patients with hyperpigmented scars treated with fat grafting. A significant difference in scar pigmentation was noted after treatment with fat grafting according to observers' ratings, with a SMD of - 1.09 [95% CI: - 1.32; - 0.85], p<0.01. The SMD for patient-reported scar pigmentation after treatment with fat grafting was - 0.99 [96% CI: - 1.31; - 0.66], p<0.01. Four studies provided objective measurements of melanin changes after fat grafting and revealed inconsistent findings compared to subjective observations. CONCLUSIONS Fat grafting shows promise in ameliorating hyperpigmented scars based on subjective assessments, but further corroborating evidence from objective measures is required. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV 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 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Alessandri Bonetti
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 1350 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Jose Antonio Arellano
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 1350 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Anna Scarabosio
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Hilary Y Liu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 1350 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Riccardo Giorgino
- Residency Program in Orthopedics and Traumatology, University of Milan, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Asim Ejaz
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 1350 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - J Peter Rubin
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 1350 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Francesco M Egro
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 1350 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
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