Cryopreserved fat: our clinical experience and applications

Abstract

Aim: Cryopreservation of fat is an effective method for repeat fat grafting, but there are few reports about the clinical use of cryopreserved fat. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness and safety of cryopreserved fat for clinical use.

Methods: Between Aug 2015 and Dec 2018, we investigated 590 patients who underwent fat harvesting at our clinic. The harvested fat was cryopreserved at a temperature of -196 °C at a cell processing center and injections were performed in our clinic.

Results: Of the 590 patients studied, 216 (312 cases) have undergone fat injections so far. Volume augmentations using harvested fat, such as facial and breast augmentations, were performed on 180 patients. For 84 patients, harvested fat was utilized only for revitalization/fertilization purposes, such as to improve skin condition. There were no severe complications in any patients. However, volume maintenance was rarely observed. Skin rejuvenation effects were comparable to that in cases using fresh fat.

Conclusion: The clinical use of cryopreserved fat is thought to be safe and effective.

Keywords

Cryopreserved fat / frozen fat / fat grafting / skin rejuvenation

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