TITLE:
Higher Cell Viability and Enhanced Sample Quality Following Laser-Assisted Liposuction versus Mechanical Liposuction
AUTHORS:
Alexander Levenberg, Mickey Scheinowitz, Orna Sharabani-Yosef
KEYWORDS:
Laser Liposuction, Cell Viability, Fat Transfer, Preadipocyte
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications,
Vol.5 No.3,
September
14,
2015
ABSTRACT: Background: Despite the popularity of autologous fat transfer
applications, high resorption rates, and consequential volume loss, have been
reported. Viable adipocyte content has been defined as a key determinant of fat
transfer longevity. Moreover, traces of blood, free oil fat and fibrotic tissue
accelerate adipocyte degradation. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of a
1470 nm, radial emitting laser-assisted liposection device to a mechanical
liposection device in maintaining adipocyte viability in fat tissue harvests. Methods:
Bilateral subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were harvested from ten female
patients. Fat was harvested from one side using the LipoLife laser-assisted
liposuction device and from the other side with a Byron mechanical aspirator.
Samples were visually analyzed and blood:fat ratios and cell viability were determined.
Results: Laser-harvested samples separated into two distinct phases, with a
negligible blood phase at the bottom (1.1%) and a significant adipose phase at
the top (98.9%), containing small, uniform-sized cells, of which 95.7% ± 2.7%
proved viable. Mechanically harvested samples separated into blood (18%),
adipose (60%) and lipid (22%) phases. The adipose phase contained significant
amounts of connective tissue, large adipose tissue fragments, large oil
droplets and a mean 79.7% ± 18.3% viable adipocytes. Conclusions: Laser
liposuctioning was superior to mechanical liposuctioning, providing both higher
cell viability and enhanced sample quality. The 1470 nm diode laser bears the
potential of improving long-term clinical outcomes of fat transfer procedures.
Improved purity of the harvested sample and heightened preadipocyte content are
projected to provide for extended graft longevity.