Effects of a new centrifugation method on adipose cell viability for autologous fat grafting

The use of adipose tissue transfer in plastic and reconstructive surgery is not new and has been studied extensively. Due to different results with regard to adipose cell damage and the level of survival of the transferred tissue in clinical practice, the authors aimed to investigate the effects of centrifugation on fat aspirates to optimize the centrifugal force for fat transplantation and to obtain an increased number of intact adipose progenitor cells. The following different centrifugation forces were evaluated in vitro in terms of fat decantation: 3,000 rpm (1,500×g), 1,300 rpm (250×g), and 500 rpm (50×g). Moreover, the density level, morphology of fat cells, cell viability, and progenitor cell number also were evaluated. Centrifugation leads to a good fat tissue density, with a significant number of progenitor cells, and efficiently removes the liquid portion. High centrifugal forces (at 3,000 rpm) caused significant damage to fat cells with low cell viability, whereas very low centrifugal forces (at 500 rpm) showed little effect on adipose tissue density, resembling fat decantation. Fat aspirates, withdrawn from 30 healthy donors in vivo, were centrifuged at different rotations per minute (rpm), as follows. For the 10 patients in group A, Coleman's technique was used with a centrifugation of the aspirated fat at 3,000 rpm (1,500×g) for 3 min. For the 10 patients in group B, the authors' technique was used, with centrifugation of the aspirated fat at 1,300 rpm (250×g) for 5 min. For the 10 patients in group C, simple decantation of fat was used. In conclusion, a centrifugal force of 1,300 rpm resulted in better density of adipose tissue, with good cell viability and increased ability to preserve a significant number of progenitor cells.

Influences of centrifugation on cells and tissues in liposuction aspirates: optimized centrifugation for lipotransfer and cell isolation

BACKGROUND

Although injective autologous fat transplantation is one of the most attractive options for soft-tissue augmentation, problems such as unpredictability and fibrosis resulting from fat necrosis limit its universal acceptance. Centrifugation is one of most common methods for overcoming these difficulties. This study was performed to investigate quantitatively the effects of centrifugation on liposuction aspirates to optimize centrifugal conditions for fat transplantation and isolation of adipose-derived stem cells.

METHODS

Liposuction aspirates, obtained from eight healthy female donors, were either not centrifuged or centrifuged at 400, 700, 1200, 3000, or 4200 g for 3 minutes. The volumes of the oil, adipose, and fluid portions and numbers of blood cells and adipose-derived cells in each portion were examined. The processed adipose tissues (1 ml) were injected into athymic mice, and grafts were harvested and weighed at 4 weeks. Morphologic alterations were observed using light and scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Centrifugation concentrated adipose tissues and adipose-derived stem cells in the adipose portion and partly removed red blood cells from the adipose portion. Centrifugation at more than 3000 g significantly damaged adipose-derived stem cells. Centrifugation enhanced graft take per 1 ml centrifuged adipose but reduced calculated graft take per 1 ml adipose before centrifugation.

CONCLUSIONS

Excessive centrifugation can destroy adipocytes and adipose-derived stem cells, but appropriate centrifugation concentrates them, resulting in enhanced graft take. The authors tentatively recommend 1200 g as an optimized centrifugal force for obtaining good short- and long-term results in adipose transplantation.

Autologous Fat Transfer: An In-Depth Look at Varying Concepts and Techniques

Fat augmentation is safe, relatively inexpensive, and readily available. Now that cosmetic surgeons are recognizing that facial aging is not simply due to gravity but also to atrophy of tissues, the use of fat for volume restoration is becoming even more popular. Newer techniques of Lipostructure, facial fat rebalancing, and fat autograft muscle injection (FAMI) are targeted to achieve true full-face three-dimensional rejuvenation; however, practical means of objectively measuring outcome are lacking. Basic questions remain regarding the optimal harvesting site, processing technique, and most effective injection technique. Scientific research is emerging th address these issues.

Lipoaugmentation for aging hands: a comparison of the longevity and aesthetic results of centrifuged versus noncentrifuged fat

BACKGROUND

Fat augmentation has long been utilized by cosmetic surgeons for volume restoration of the face and hands. However, it is not clear which methods of fat preparation optimize survival and aesthetic results. The need for centrifugation of the fat prior to augmentation has been debated in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term efficacy of fat transplantation to the hands using centrifuged versus noncentrifuged fat.

METHODS

Fourteen patients underwent fat augmentation to the hands utilizing 10 ml of centrifuged fat in one hand and 10 ml of noncentrifuged fat in the contralateral hand in a randomized, double-blind comparison study. Evaluation intervals were at 1, 3, and 5 months at which time aesthetic results, vein prominence, and depth of metacarpal space were evaluated.

RESULTS

At 1 month the subjective and objective preference was the hand with the noncentrifuged fat in 75% of patients, even though vein prominence and depth of metacarpal space were higher in that group. By 3 months the preferred result was centrifuged fat in 62.5% of patients; 25% had equal results and 12.5% preferred the noncentrifuged fat. By 5 months the subjective and objective preference was for the centrifuged fat in 100% of patients. This preference was supported by a lower score in vein prominence and depth of metacarpal space in that group.

CONCLUSION

This preliminary study supports the use of centrifuged fat compared to noncentrifuged fat for longevity and improved aesthetic results at 3 and 5 months for fat augmentation of the aging hands.