Benefits of Autologous Fat Grafting Using Fat Mixed with Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM) Selphyl

Abstract

Introduction:

Autologous fat grafting is important in the treatment of facial rejuvenation to treat the aging face, facial rhytids, and volume deformities. Additional uses of fat transfer include breast augmentation and buttock enhancement. Fat transfer for hand aging, as well as adding volume to body defects with fat, plays a major role in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Variability of graft survival (typically 50–70%) has lessened enthusiasm for the use of this technique. Platelet-rich fibrin matrix, however, has been shown previously to improve fat transplant survival in animal models.

Materials and Methods:

This report summarizes the case of a 37-year-old woman who had fat from her outer thighs injected into her lower abdominal panus. In 2 designated sites on her lower abdomen, 8 mL of fat was injected per site (one site with fat alone and the other site a 2:1 mixture of fat to Selphyl). Eight weeks later, the patient underwent a paniculectomy (en bloc) resection. Specimens were then processed and evaluated for histopathology and immunohistochemistry.

Results:

After removal of the en bloc panus, the tissue was immediately processed for histopathology. CD34 staining of regions 1 and 2 was performed. Region 1 consisted of 8 mL of fat injected into the lower abdominal panus in the subcutaneous layer. Region 2 consisted of 8 mL of fat mixed with 4 mL of Selphyl injected subcutaneously. Analysis of these regions showed viable fat in both sections; however, region 2 (8 mL of fat mixed with 4 mL of Selphyl) showed increased neovascularization.

Conclusions:

The result of this case study indicates that fat mixed with Selphyl may improve graft survival by increasing both neovascularization and total cell number.