Abstract
Autologous fat grafting has become a popular and well-established technique used by
plastic surgeons in a variety of aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. An understanding
of the basic science principles underlying fat grafting is crucial to explaining its
extensive utility for soft tissue rejuvenation, volume augmentation, and body contouring—and
the unpredictable fat resorption rates after grafting that pose a significant challenge
for plastic surgeons. While the scientific principles of fat grafting can theoretically
be exploited to optimize fat grafting techniques and increase fat tissue survival,
a consensus has yet been established as to the best practices for this procedure.
This review discusses the biology of adipose tissue and the scientific principles
behind its behavior and survival in autologous fat grafting.
Keywords
autologous fat grafting - adipocyte regeneration - adipogenesis - adipose-derived
stem cells - fat graft survival
