Improving fat graft survival through preconditioning of the recipient site with microneedling☆
Section snippets
Animal model
Following approval of the study protocol by the Ethics Committee for Laboratory Animals of Gazi University Medical School, 18 Wistar albino rats, each weighing 380 (±30) g, were used for this study. The source of fat was determined as the inguinal fat pad, while the recipient site was a subcutaneous pouch in the dorsal area of the rat. The study consisted of three groups: the study (micro-needle) group consisted of six rats that underwent standard technique micro-needling followed by fat
Gross observations
The weight of all animals was measured and recorded prior to fat grafting and at the end of the study. Analysis showed that there was no statistical significance in the change of body weight in the animals (p > 0.05).
At the end of 15 weeks, the grafted fat tissue was harvested through longitudinal incisions made over the skin overlying the fat grafts. At gross observation, it was noted that the study group had maintained good structural integrity of the fat grafts, and there was notable
Discussion
Numerous studies have focussed on the effects of harvesting and preparation of fat grafts on graft take, yet the properties of the recipient bed are also among the main determinants of long-term graft survival. One of the main factors that can affect graft take is the vascularity of the recipient site. A review of the literature demonstrates satisfactory outcomes when very small volumes of fat are used in areas of higher vascularity.33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 Guerrerosantos et al. and
Conflict of interest statement
All authors report no conflicts of interest. No competing financial interests exist.
Acknowledgements
This study was approved by the Gazi University Ethical Committee for Experimental Research on Animals (Project no: G.U.ET-11.109) and was financially supported by the Gazi University Research Fund (Project no: 01/2012-36).
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This study was presented 1) at the 2nd European Association of Plastic Surgeons Research Council Meeting, held in Antalya, Turkey, 22–23 May 2013 and 2) at the 48th European Society for Surgical Research Meeting, held in Istanbul, Turkey, 29 May–1 June 2013.