Regenerative medicine is an emerging and rapidly evolving field of research and therapy, thanks to new discoveries on stem cells. Scarring is the inevitable product of natural inflammation and healing. The treatment of adverse or delayed scarring remains challenging. Both collagen and fibroblasts may further be abnormally abundant in scars, excess leading to scar hyperplasia or contracture.

It is now well evidenced that adipose tissue contains a cellular fraction - adipose stromal cells and/or adipose-derived stem cells - that may facilitate wound healing, tissue repair, and extracellular matrix remodelling. The autologous fat transfer represents the most fundamental approach to exploring the potential effects of adipose on scar quality.

Dr Rozina Ali, a top-rated plastic surgeon in UK, is proud to be a leading advocate of fat transfer (lipofilling). In this article, we asked her for an overview of the meaning of fat transfer, its uses and its results in scar treatments. Let’s see her response.

Fat transfer and SVF cells

Adipose tissue has emerged as an attractive mesenchymal cell source in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine because it can be easily collected and enriched with stem/progenitor cell populations. The stromal vascular fraction (SVF) derived from adipose tissue contains heterogeneous cell populations. Adipose/fat tissue provides an abundant source of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells for immediate administration and can also give rise to a substantial number of cultured, multipotent adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs).

Initially, fat transfer rich in stem cells was used for cosmetic breast volume enhancement, but this mode of treatment has found therapeutic use in many diseases most notably its effects on overlaying radiotherapy damaged tissues. Other conditions include some immune disorders, tissue degeneration, and ischaemic conditions

The procedure of autologous fat transfer for scar treatment

Prior to the procedure, you and your plastic surgeon should have a first consultation to review your medical history and create a blueprint for your procedure. The fat grafting technique itself consists of gently harvesting live fat cells using low suction, gentle ‘liposuction’ from areas of excess elsewhere in the body, washing, purifying and preparing the fat suitable for injection back into the desired area (breast, face, scars) using specialist injection cannulae.

The harvested fat is washed and filtered in a sterile closed system, then prepared as a fluid fat mix that is smoothly injected into the breast(s). This is done by passing a narrow, blunt-tipped injection cannula in and out of the area to be filled multiple times at multiple angles and layers. As the injection cannula is withdrawn at each pass, small micro aliquots of fat are deposited until the desired result is achieved.

Fat transfer and enriched stem cells can further be used to naturally stimulate and restart scalp hair growth and revitalise dormant hair follicles. Kerastem is the state of the art treatment for preventing hair loss and revitalising dormant hair follicles.

Recovery period

Most patients can immediately return to work after any elective fat transfer treatment. Minimal discomfort is expected at the injection site. Compression garments and over the counter analgesia are usually sufficient for post-op pain relief with the occasional use of ice packs if preferred. Scar revision procedures are recommended only after initial healing is complete and after secondary procedures have been performed (scar excision, Z-plasty, subcision). They are typically simple procedures, and recovery is relatively quick.

If you are interested in knowing more regarding fat transfer procedures and SVF usage and benefits, book a consultation with Dr Rozina Ali.

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