Abstract
Background: Autologous fat transfer (AFT), also known as lipofilling, has been demonstrated to be more than just a filler. Through both mechanical dissection and local tissue remodelling mediated by stem cells, it is thought to improve scar quality, function and even pain. This paper aims to investigate the evidence regarding its safety and effectiveness for treating fibrosis and scar-related conditions.
Methods: A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies. Extensive data extraction and standardization allowed conducting a meta-analysis.
Results: Forty-five studies (3033 patients) provided sufficient data for meta-analysis. The AFT treatment resulted in significant increase in satisfaction scores of both patient and surgeon (p = 0.001). Furthermore, a significant overall scar improvement was also found in the evaluation using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, with the most notable effect in the scar stiffness (p
Conclusions: AFT is a promising treatment for fibrosis and scar-related conditions. Future research should focus on determining the long-term effects of AFT on fibrosis, pain and function. In addition, it would be crucial to quantify the mechanical and regenerative properties of fat as well as the effect of added supplements or stem cells. (C) 2020 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 2033-2048 |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| Journal | Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery |
| Volume | 73 |
| Issue number | 11 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Nov 2020 |
Keywords
- ADIPOSE-TISSUE
- APPEARANCE
- Autologous fat transfer
- Burns
- Fibrosis
- GRAFT
- IMPLANT
- IMPROVEMENT
- INJECTION
- Lipofilling
- MANAGEMENT
- PAIN
- RECONSTRUCTION
- Radiotherapy
- Scars
- TRANSPLANTATION
- SURGERY
- BREAST-CANCER
- NECK
- RADIOTHERAPY