Research article summary (published 30 Aug 2009):

Improvement of skin quality after fat grafting: clinical observation and an animal study.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND: Restoration of volume and contour defects is a challenge in plastic surgery. Autologous fat tissue transfer is gaining increasing popularity in this field. The aim of this study was to investigate the histologic modifications of the skin after fat tissue grafting on an animal model. METHODS: Thirty nude mice, divided into three groups, were used in the experiment. All 30 mice received human fat tissue on one side. On the opposite side, 10 mice received nothing (negative control group), 10 mice received cell proliferation medium, and the remaining 10 mice received only subcutaneous tunneling. Eight weeks later, biopsies of the skin and subcutaneous tissue were performed and specimens were analyzed by hematoxylin-phloxin-saffron staining. Dermis thickness was measured. To differentiate human from murine collagen fibers, human and murine collagen type I antibodies were used. The other types of collagen were investigated by immunohistochemistry (immunostaining) using collagen type III, V, and VI antibodies. RESULTS: Fat tissue was found in all animals. Macroscopically, fat tissue presented normal aspects, with abundant peripheral neovascularization. Histologic examination showed abundant extracellular matrix around the injected human fat tissue. This was attributable to increased type I collagen fibers of murine origin as a result of the murine fibroblast stimulation by the grafted human fat tissue. Dermal thickness after fat grafting was significantly greater. This was not attributable to inflammatory reactions, because no modification was detected in our control groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that fat tissue grafting stimulates a neosynthesis of collagen fibers at the recipient site and makes the dermis thicker. However, the long-term effects remain undetermined and need further investigation.

Author information

Author/s: Mojallal, Ali (A); Lequeux, Charlotte (C); Shipkov, Christo (C); Breton, Pierre (P); Foyatier, Jean-Louis (JL); Braye, Fabienne (F); Damour, Odile (O);

Affiliation: Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, Edouard Herriot Hospital, 5 Place d'Arsonval, 69437 Lyon, Cedex 03, France. dr.mojallal(-atsign-)gmail.com

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Plastic and reconstructive surgery (Plast Reconstr Surg), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Sep; vol 124 (issue 3) : pp 765-74

Dates: Created 2009/09/04; Completed 2009/09/23;

PMID: 19730294, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 9/23/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

Comments and Corrections

CommentIn: Plast Reconstr Surg. 2009 Sep;124(3):775-6. (PMID: 19730295)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adipose Tissue - transplantation Animals Collagen Type I - metabolism Humans Immunohistochemistry

Immunohistochemistry Mice Mice, Nude Skin - cytology; metabolism Transplantation, Heterologous

Associated Chemicals: Collagen Type I (0)

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