Lipoaspirate is the tissue collected during a liposuction procedure. Primarily composed of fat, it is harvested from areas of the body with excess adipose tissue. Once collected, lipoaspirate can be used for various medical and cosmetic applications, particularly in tissue restoration and regeneration.
What Lipoaspirate Is
Lipoaspirate is a complex biological material predominantly made up of adipocytes, which are mature fat cells. It also contains an extracellular matrix that provides structural support to the tissue. Lipoaspirate is a rich source of various cell types, including adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs).
ASCs are multipotent cells, able to differentiate into various cell types like bone, cartilage, muscle, nerve, and skin cells. These regenerative cells, along with pericytes and vascular endothelial cells, make lipoaspirate important in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. The stromal vascular fraction (SVF) within lipoaspirate contains these diverse cell populations.
How Lipoaspirate Is Obtained
Lipoaspirate is obtained through liposuction or lipoaspiration. This process involves removing fat from specific body areas, such as the abdomen, thighs, or “love handles.” The procedure begins with injecting a tumescent solution, a local anesthetic mixed with other fluids, into the targeted area to numb it and facilitate fat removal.
After injection, a small incision is made, and a thin tube called a cannula is inserted into the fat layer. The cannula is moved back and forth to loosen fat cells, which are then suctioned out using a syringe or a specialized suction device. The collected lipoaspirate undergoes processing to separate viable fat cells and other components from fluids and debris, often through methods like centrifugation, sedimentation, or filtration.
Applications of Lipoaspirate
Lipoaspirate is used in both cosmetic and regenerative medicine. A common application is fat grafting, where harvested fat is transferred to another body area to restore volume or enhance contours. This includes procedures like breast augmentation, facial rejuvenation for age-related volume loss, or gluteal reshaping. The adipocytes within the grafted fat contribute directly to the added volume.
Beyond volume restoration, lipoaspirate’s regenerative properties are harnessed. The adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in lipoaspirate contribute to tissue regeneration and repair by differentiating into various cell types and secreting growth factors. This makes them valuable in treating chronic wounds, repairing damaged tissues after trauma or surgery, and potentially improving the function of tissues affected by degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis. Adding ASCs to fat grafts, known as “cell-assisted lipotransfer,” has shown promise in improving the survival and longevity of the grafted fat.
Safety and Recovery
Procedures involving lipoaspirate, while considered safe, carry potential risks similar to other surgical interventions. Common side effects include temporary pain, swelling, and bruising in the treated areas. Some individuals may experience fluid accumulation, known as seromas, which might require drainage, or temporary numbness in the treated region.
Recovery time varies, but many individuals can return to work within two weeks, though full recovery can take up to six months as swelling subsides. Patients are advised to wear compression garments for several weeks to help reduce swelling and assist the body in adapting to its new contours. While rare, more severe complications such as infection, internal organ puncture, or fat embolism can occur, emphasizing the importance of choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon.