Autologous nanofat injection in treatment of scars: A clinico-histopathological study

The Role of Autologous Fat Grafting in the Treatment of Atrophic Post-Acne Scars: A Narrative Review

Numerous techniques have been tried to treat acne scarring. Given its filling properties and the presence of adipose tissue-derived stem cells, autologous fat has been tried for treating acne scars in multiple studies, either alone or combined with other treatment approaches. This review focuses on autologous fat grafting in its different forms, including nanofat and stromal vascular fraction, as an efficient and safe modality for treating acne scars. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were used to search for relevant studies published from January 2017 to December 2022. We used a combination of the following keywords: "acne scar," "acne scars," "autologous fat transplantation," "autologous fat grafting," "fat grafting for acne scars," "stromal vascular fraction," "SVF," and "nanofat." Twelve studies were found utilizing autologous fat grafting in different forms, either used alone or combined with other treatment methods such as lasers and platelet-rich plasma for treating atrophic post-acne scars. Most studies showed that autologous fat grafting effectively treated acne scars with satisfying results.

Effectiveness and Safety of Micro-Plasma Radiofrequency Treatment Combined With Autologous Chyle Fat Grafting Treatment for Hypertrophic Scars: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a fibroproliferative disorder resulting from abnormal healing of skin tissue after injury. Although various therapies are currently employed in clinical to treat HSs, there is no widely accepted standard therapy. Micro-plasma radiofrequency (MPR) and autologous chyle fat grafting are emerging treatments for this condition, and they have demonstrated promising therapeutic outcomes in clinical applications. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness and safety of combining MPR with autologous chyle fat grafting for the treatment of HSs.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study on patients diagnosed with HS in a single center between January 2020 and December 2023. According to the treatments, patients were divided into three groups, with 6 months follow-up. The single therapy group received MPR alone for two times. The combined therapy Group 1 first received the MPR treatment followed by the combined treatment. The combined therapy Group 2 first received the combined treatment and then received the MPR treatment. The effectiveness of treatment was evaluated using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the Patient Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS). The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to assess the patients' pain on the day of treatment and 1 day after treatment. Adverse events and complications were recorded to assess the safety of treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 73 patients diagnosed with HS were enrolled in this study, including 35 patients in the single therapy group, 18 patients in the combined therapy Group 1, and 20 patients in the combined therapy Group 2. After the treatments were completed, all three groups exhibited significant effectiveness. The two combined therapy groups scored lower after treatments in the VSS, which includes height, vascularity, pliability, and total scores, as well as in the PSAS, which includes color, stiffness, thickness, and total scores, compared to the single therapy group, with a statistically significant difference. Regarding pain response to treatment, there was no statistical difference in VAS among the three groups. No statistical difference in the overall incidence of adverse events was observed among the three groups, and no severe complications were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed the combination of MPR and autologous chyle fat grafting showed superior effectiveness compared to MPR alone in treating HSs, without any observed increase in overall adverse event frequency. For patients diagnosed with HS, this combination therapy stands as a promising and effective clinical intervention.

Efficacy and Safety of Autologous Nanofat Injection in the Treatment of Postburn Scars Using Optical Skin Imaging Analysis

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.

New challenges in scar therapy: the novel scar therapy strategies based on nanotechnology

The pathological mechanism of pathological scar is highly complex, encompassing the abnormalities of diverse cytokines, signaling pathways and regulatory factors. To discover more preferable scar treatment options, a variety of distinct approaches have been utilized clinically. Nevertheless, these treatments possess certain side effects and are inclined to relapse. Presently, pathological scar treatment remains a clinical conundrum, and there is an urgent demand for treatment methods that are safe, less traumatic and have lower recurrence rates. New drug delivery systems, novel therapeutic drugs and therapy strategies can enable drugs to permeate the skin effectively, decrease side effects, enhance drug efficacy and even achieve pain-free self-administration. Currently, novel nanotechnologies such as nanomicroneedles, photodynamics mediated by novel photosensitizers, bioelectrical stimulation and 3D printed dressings have been developed for the effective treatment of pathological scars. Additionally, innovative nanoscale fillers, including nano-fat and engineered exosomes, can serve as novel therapeutic agents for the efficient treatment of pathological scars. The intervention of nanomaterials can enhance drug absorption, stabilize and safeguard the active ingredients of drugs, delay or control drug release and enhance bioavailability. This article reviews these new treatment strategies for scar to explore novel approaches for efficient and safe for keloid treatment.

Effects of Nanofat in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Since nanofat was first introduced by Tonnard in 2013, numerous studies have reported positive findings with its use; however, concerns exist regarding its effects and mechanisms, and the various methods used to generate nanofat also remain unclear. The authors conducted a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of nanofat grafting alone in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

METHODS

The MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched for studies related to the use of nanofat grafting alone in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Outcomes of interest were all clinical results in humans or animals.

RESULTS

Twelve studies were included. No meta-analysis was conducted due to the clinical heterogeneity of the studies. In general, included studies had a low level of evidence. Six studies ( n = 253 patients) showed significant improvements in scar characteristics based on Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, FACE-Q scale, physician assessment, patient satisfaction, and Vancouver Scar Scale scores. Four studies described the benefits of nanofat in skin rejuvenation (wrinkles, fine rhytides, pigmentation, and discoloration) through photographs, questionnaires, and indentation indices. Histologic evaluation illustrated overall increases in skin thickness, collagen, and elastic fibers. Three experimental studies showed the beneficial effects of nanofat on fat grafting, diabetic wound healing, and hair growth, with compelling histological evidence. No severe complication was reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Nanofat grafting shows potential benefits in scar and antiaging treatments, with conclusive histological evidence. Clinical studies of fat grafting, wound healing, and hair growth should be conducted, based on the results of this systematic review. Nanofat grafting could be a practical and safe procedure.

Short-term cryoprotectant-free cryopreservation at -20°C does not affect the viability and regenerative capacity of nanofat

Nanofat is an autologous fat derivative with high regenerative activity, which is usually administered immediately after its generation by mechanical emulsification of adipose tissue. For its potential repeated use over longer time, we herein tested whether cryopreservation of nanofat is feasible. For this purpose, the inguinal fat pads of donor mice were processed to nanofat, which was i) frozen and stored in a freezer at -20°C, ii) shock frozen in liquid nitrogen with subsequent storage at -80°C or iii) gradually frozen and stored at -80°C. After 7 days, the cryopreserved nanofat samples were thawed and immunohistochemically compared with freshly generated nanofat (control). Nanofat frozen and stored at -20°C exhibited the lowest apoptotic rate and highest densities of blood and lymph vessels, which were comparable to those of control. Accordingly, nanofat cryopreserved at -20°C or control nanofat were subsequently fixed with platelet-rich plasma in full-thickness skin defects within dorsal skinfold chambers of recipient mice to assess vascularization, formation of granulation tissue and wound closure by means of stereomicroscopy, intravital fluorescence microscopy, histology and immunohistochemistry over 14 days. These analyses revealed no marked differences between the healing capacity of wounds filled with cryopreserved or control nanofat. Therefore, it can be concluded that cryopreservation of nanofat is simply feasible without affecting its viability and regenerative potential. This may broaden the range of future nanofat applications, which would particularly benefit from repeated administration of this autologous biological product.

Camouflage of Postburn Scarring Alopecia Using Nanofat Grafting and Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Postburn scarring alopecia on hair-bearing aesthetic subunits causes cosmetic disfiguring and psychological problems. Follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair transplantation is an effective technique for camouflaging postburn scarring alopecia. However, poorly vascularized and fibrotic scar tissue limits the viability of grafts. The mechanical and vascular characteristics of scar tissue can be improved by nanofat grafting. This study aimed to present the results of postburn scarring alopecia treatment using nanofat-assisted FUE hair transplantation.

METHODS

Eighteen patients who had postburn scarring alopecia in and around the beard were enrolled. Patients underwent single-session nanofat grafting and FUE hair transplantation at 6-month intervals. Twelve months after hair transplantation, the survival rate of transplanted follicular graft, scar improvement, and patient satisfaction were assessed by counting each transplanted follicle individually, using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, and using a 5-point Likert satisfaction scale, respectively.

RESULTS

Nanofat grafting and hair transplantation were successfully performed without complication. All scars significantly improved in mature characteristics ( P < 0.00001 for patients; P < 0.00001 for observers). The survival and density rates of transplanted follicular units ranged from 77.4% to 87.9% (mean, 83.2% ± 2.5%) and 10.7% to 19.6% (mean, 15.2% ± 2.46%), respectively. All patients reported significantly satisfying cosmetic results ( P < 0.00001).

CONCLUSIONS

Scarring alopecia is an inevitable and challenging late complication of deep burned hair-bearing units. Combining nanofat injection and FUE hair transplantation is among the most innovative and effective treatments for postburn scarring alopecia.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Potential benefits of adipose–derived SVF and MSCs to regenerate damaged tissues from alloplastic synthetic materials

Recent advancements in Plastic Surgery and Regenerative MedicineQuery have revolutionized tissue repair, remodeling, and regeneration. A promising approach involves Mesenchymal Stem cells and from the adipose–derived Stromal Vascular Fraction, aimed at improving tissue healing post the use of synthetic materials. This integration shows potential in mitigating adverse effects of synthetic materials like dermal fillers, offering new clinical interventions for tissue repair and regeneration. This article explores the benefits, complications, and applications of these technologies in Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Medicine, focusing on their mechanisms of action and future perspectives.

 Level of evidence: Not ratable

S2k guideline: Diagnosis and therapy of localized scleroderma

The updated S2k guideline deals with the diagnosis and therapy of localized scleroderma (LoS). LoS represents a spectrum of sclerotic skin diseases in which, depending on the subtype and localisation, structures such as adipose tissue, muscles, joints, and bones may also be affected. Involvement of internal organs or progression to systemic sclerosis does not occur. LoS can be classified into four main forms: limited, generalized, linear, and mixed forms, with some additional subtypes. For cases of limited skin involvement, the guideline primarily recommends therapy with topical corticosteroids. UV therapy can also be recommended. In subtypes with severe skin or musculoskeletal involvement, systemic therapy with methotrexate is recommended. During the active phase of the disease, systemic glucocorticosteroids can be used additionally. In cases of methotrexate and steroid refractory courses, contraindications, or intolerance, mycophenolate mofetil, mycophenolic acid, or abatacept can be considered as second-line systemic therapies. In the case of linear LoS, autologous adipose-derived stem cell transplantation can also be performed for correcting soft tissue defects.

S2k‐Leitlinie: Diagnostik und Therapie der zirkumskripten Sklerodermie

Die vorliegende aktualisierte S2k‐Leitlinie befasst sich mit der Diagnostik und der Therapie der zirkumskripten Sklerodermie (ZS). Diese umfasst ein Spektrum sklerotischer Erkrankungen der Haut mit, je nach Subtyp und Lokalisation, möglicher Beteiligung von hautnahen Strukturen wie Fettgewebe, Muskulatur, Gelenke und Knochen. Ein Befall innerer Organe oder ein Übergang in eine systemische Sklerodermie treten nicht auf. Eingeteilt werden kann die ZS in die vier Hauptformen der limitierten, generalisierten, linearen und gemischten Form. Teilweise existieren weitere Unterformen. Bei limitiertem Hautbefall empfiehlt die Leitlinie primär eine Therapie mit topischen Kortikosteroiden. Eine UV‐Therapie kann ebenfalls sinnvoll sein. Bei Subtypen mit schwerem Hautbefall oder muskuloskelettalem Befall wird eine systemische Therapie mit Methotrexat empfohlen. In der aktiven Phase der Erkrankung können ergänzend systemische Glukokortikosteroide eingesetzt werden. Bei MTX‐ und Steroid‐refraktären Verläufen, Kontraindikation oder Unverträglichkeit sollten Mycophenolat‐Mofetil, Mycophenolsäure oder Abatacept als Systemtherapie der zweiten Wahl eingesetzt werden. Bei einer linearen ZS kann zudem eine autologe Fettstammzelltransplantation zur Korrektur von Weichteildefekten erfolgen.

Autologous Nanofat Injection Combined with Fractional CO2 Laser in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars

Background

Atrophic acne scarring is a widely prevalent condition and one of the most distressing complications of acne vulgaris. Numerous options with variable outcomes are available for the treatment of acne scarring. Laser is considered a first-line therapy for acne scars, and recently there has been a growing interest in using stem cells and their derivatives for treating acne scars. In addition, combined therapeutic modalities often achieve more satisfactory results than a single treatment.

Objective

We tried to evaluate the role of nanofat and fractional CO2 laser as a combined treatment approach for atrophic acne scarring.

Methods

Twenty-five patients with atrophic acne scarring were enrolled. They received a single session of intradermal nanofat injection, at different points 1 cm apart, for acne scars. Two weeks later, they were treated with three sessions of fractional CO2 laser at monthly intervals. Patients were evaluated three months after the last session using the quantitative Goodman and Baron scoring system. Pain, side effects, and patients' satisfaction were also evaluated.

Results

There were two males and 23 females with a mean age of 25.96 years. Their skin type ranged between Fitzpatrick skin type III, IV, and V. Boxcar scars were the most common scar type in 13 patients (52%). After treatment, there was a significant reduction (p <0.05) in the quantitative Goodman and Baron scores. The improvement was more evident in rolling scars. Seven patients reported significant improvement, and 12 reported marked improvement.

Conclusion

This study showed that combining nanofat and fractional CO2 laser is a safe and effective treatment modality for atrophic acne scars.

Fractional CO 2 Laser Combined With Autologous Nanofat Injection Versus Fractional CO 2 Laser Combined With Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars: A Split-Face Comparative Study With Optical Skin Imaging

BACKGROUND

Atrophic acne scarring is a common problem. If left untreated, its implications can impair the quality of life. Various treatments, with differing degrees of success, are used to alleviate atrophic scars.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of nanofat versus platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as an adjuvant therapy to fractional CO 2 laser (FCL) for atrophic acne scars.

METHODS

This study included 35 patients with atrophic acne scars who received 3 sessions of FCL at 1-month intervals on both sides of the face, followed by intradermal PRP injection on the left side. A single session of nanofat was injected into the right side of the face 2 weeks before the laser sessions. The evaluation was conducted 3 months after the final treatment session.

RESULTS

After treatment, the right side of the face showed a significant reduction in Goodman scores and the indentation index of the Antera camera. The left side showed a significant difference in Goodman scores, yet the Antera camera showed a nonsignificant improvement. Nonetheless, the difference between the 2 sides was statistically insignificant.

CONCLUSION

Atrophic acne scars improved with both modalities. As a result, cotreatment with these techniques may synergistically affect atrophic acne scars in efficacy and safety.

Mechanical Fractionation of Adipose Tissue-A Scoping Review of Procedures to Obtain Stromal Vascular Fraction

Clinical indications for adipose tissue therapy are expanding towards a regenerative-based approach. Adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction consists of extracellular matrix and all nonadipocyte cells such as connective tissue cells including fibroblasts, adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) and vascular cells. Tissue stromal vascular fraction (tSVF) is obtained by mechanical fractionation, forcing adipose tissue through a device with one or more small hole(s) or cutting blades between syringes. The aim of this scoping review was to assess the efficacy of mechanical fractionation procedures to obtain tSVF. In addition, we provide an overview of the clinical, that is, therapeutic, efficacy of tSVF isolated by mechanical fraction on skin rejuvenation, wound healing and osteoarthritis. Procedures to obtain tissue stromal vascular fraction using mechanical fractionation and their associated validation data were included for comparison. For clinical outcome comparison, both animal and human studies that reported results after tSVF injection were included. We categorized mechanical fractionation procedures into filtration (n = 4), centrifugation (n = 8), both filtration and centrifugation (n = 3) and other methods (n = 3). In total, 1465 patients and 410 animals were described in the included clinical studies. tSVF seems to have a more positive clinical outcome in diseases with a high proinflammatory character such as osteoarthritis or (disturbed) wound healing, in comparison with skin rejuvenation of aging skin. Isolation of tSVF is obtained by disruption of adipocytes and therefore volume is reduced. Procedures consisting of centrifugation prior to mechanical fractionation seem to be most effective in volume reduction and thus isolation of tSVF. tSVF injection seems to be especially beneficial in clinical applications such as osteoarthritis or wound healing. Clinical application of tSVF appeared to be independent of the preparation procedure, which indicates that current methods are highly versatile.

Combined Synergetic Effect of Lipoconcentrate Fat Grafting, Nanofat Transfer, Platelet-Rich Plasma, Microneedling, and CO2 Fractional Laser for Plastic Regenerative and Esthetic Surgery and Cosmetic Care

The advancements in skin care methods and products show the rising interest in cosmetics. Recent studies emphasize the regenerative potential of fat grafting, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), microneedling, and carbon dioxide (CO2) fractional laser techniques. Combining these strategies into a protocol is yet to be explored. In this article, we demonstrate different types of fat grafts and their versatility in treating different facial problems found in our patient. This study evaluated the synergistic effect of lipoconcentrate and nanofat grafting, PRP, microneedling, and CO2 fractional laser to provide esthetic and regenerative facial skin care. This case report was conducted in Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital, Saudi Arabia. Our case involved a 53-year-old woman who had traumatic facial injuries due to a car accident years ago that buried asphalt particles in her facial scars, causing bluish skin discoloration. She suffered from multiple deep atrophic scars in several areas on the left side of her face, causing asymmetry. She was treated using lipoconcentrate and nanofat grafting, followed by three PRP with microneedling sessions and then a final CO2 fractional laser session. The evaluation was based on the physician's clinical assessment, image documentation, and patient satisfaction, which revealed significant improvement in skin appearance with respect to texture, color, symmetry, and overall health of the skin over a period of four months. The potentiality and efficacy of the combination therapy of lipoconcentrate, nanofat, PRP, microneedling, and CO2 fractional laser for skin rejuvenation and scar treatment showed promising results in this case report.

Efficacy of autologous stromal vascular fraction injection in the treatment of androgenic alopecia

Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is a common condition associated with loss of terminal hair on the scalp in a specific pattern in both males and females. Management of AGA is usually challenging as the approved therapeutic options are limited. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of non-enzymatic stromal vascular fraction (SVF) as a new promising treatment for AGA. From April to December 2021, this prospective study included 30 patients with AGA who were enrolled from the University Hospitals' dermatology outpatient clinics. Patients received a single session of autologous SVF injection and were then followed up for 6 months. There was an increase in hair shaft caliber from 0.037 ± 0.01 mm before treatment with SVF to 0.056 ± 0.02 mm after 6 months of treatment. Also, hair count/cm2 increased from 130.87 ± 14/cm2 to 151.93 ± 22.36/cm2 and terminal to vellus hair ratio increased from 77.06 ± 10.47% to 81.45 ± 11.98% at the end of the study. No significant difference was recorded between male and female groups as regard response to treatment. We concluded that SVF is an effective line of treatment for AGA with significant improvement regarding hair density, hair diameter, global photography, and patient satisfaction.