As Miss Rozina Ali has discussed in her previous articles, the use of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells in both basic research and a clinical trial have significantly increased during the last decade due to a variety of newly suggested therapeutic indications, including treatment of facial ageing, chronic wound healing, improvement of the radiation damage and hypertrophic scars, breast augmentation or breast reconstruction, as well as treatment of inflammatory and degenerative orthopaedic conditions.

With the continued application of fat grafting in plastic surgery, many studies have focused on various factors to improve maintenance of the fat graft volume, such as platelet-rich plasma, adipose-derived stromal/stem cells, and the stromal vascular fraction (SVF). In addition, many review articles have investigated the functions of platelet-rich plasma and adipose-derived stromal/stem cells in fat grafting, although the usefulness of the SVF remains unclear.

As one of the best plastic surgeons in London, highly qualified in fat transfer surgery, dr. Rozina Ali shares with us her knowledge about body fat transfer procedures enriched by the use of SVF cells.

What is SFV?

Fat tissue contains a large number of regenerative and anti-ageing cells including growth factors and mesenchymal stem cells. Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) is a component of the lipoaspirate obtained from fat harvest – that is the light suction of excess adipose tissue from immediately beneath the skin. The lipoaspirate contains a large population of stem cells called adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) as well as fat and fluids.

The ADSCs share a number of similarities with bone marrow stem cells, including the capacity for multilineage differentiation. Such multipotential mesenchyme cells have the potential to be signalled to become many different cell types. What makes the stem cells from fat remarkable is the fact that they can transform themselves into different kinds of cells depending on where they are in the body. When placed in the skin, they act like young skin cells, repairing damage, making collagen and elastin, increasing hydration and generally restoring your skin to a more youthful appearance.

Fat transfer procedure

A surgical fat transfer can be carried out under either a general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic. It involves 3 main stages:

removing the fat – small cuts are made in the skin and a thin tube is used to suck out small amounts of fat (similar to liposuction); the cuts are then closed with stitches
preparing the fat – special equipment is used to separate the fat collected from any blood and other fluids
injecting the fat – small amounts of fat are injected into the area being treated; stitches are not usually needed

The procedure usually lasts a couple of hours. You may be able to go home soon after the procedure is finished, or you may need to stay under observation overnight.

As SVF cells contain a high concentration of stem cells, SVF therapy serves as a regenerator of sports injuries or injuries that occurred from accidents. It is of great help when there is damage to the joints, muscles, bones, cartilage and even nerves. In addition, fat transfer can be used to smooth out all types of irregularities such as those resulting from poorly performed liposuction.

What are the benefits of fat transfer with SVF?

Enriched fat transfer with SVF stem cells is a unique, personalised injectable skin treatment derived from your own fat tissue. By enriching fat with a cocktail of concentrated stem cells, Dr Ali can create a filler to restore the youthful volume of your face, hands, décolletage and body. At the same time, the stem cells work to rejuvenate the skin’s tone and texture to reverse visible signs of ageing. Results develop gradually, look completely natural and last over a year, making this an extremely discreet treatment.

Studies have shown that the survival rate of SVF-assisted fat graft was significantly higher than that of conventional autologous fat graft. With an increment of 20% in graft survival, SVF enrichment could bring about a greater fat transplant volume per session with a higher retention rate, resulting in fewer necessary sessions to achieve satisfactory results. If you feel like you need more information and advice regarding fat transfer procedures and SVF usage and benefits, book a consultation at Dr Rozia Ali clinic!

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