Lymphedema Fat Graft: An Ideal Filler for Facial Rejuvenation

• Published in: Archives of plastic surgery Vol. 41; no. 5; pp. 588 - 593
• Main Authors: Nicoli, Fabio, Chilgar, Ram M., Sapountzis, Stamatis, Lazzeri, Davide, Sze Wei, Matthew Yeo, Ciudad, Pedro, Nicoli, Marzia, Lim, Seong Yoon, Chen, Pei-Yu, Constantinides, Joannis, Chen, Hung-Chi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc 01.09.2014; The Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons; 대한성형외과학회
• Subjects: adipose tissue; esthetics; hyaluronic acid; Idea and Innovation; Idea and Innovations; lymphedema; rejuvenation; 성형외과학; Esthetics; Adipose tissue; Lymphedema; Hyaluronic acid; Rejuvenation
• ISSN: 2234-6163; 2234-6171
• DOI: 10.5999/aps.2014.41.5.588

Lymphedema is a chronic disorder characterized by lymph stasis in the subcutaneous tissue. Lymphatic fluid contains several components including hyaluronic acid and has many important properties. Over the past few years, significant research has been performed to identify an ideal tissue to implant as a filler. Because of its unique composition, fat harvested from the lymphedema tissue is an interesting topic for investigation and has significant potential for application as a filler, particularly in facial rejuvenation. Over a 36-month period, we treated and assessed 8 patients with lymphedematous limbs who concurrently underwent facial rejuvenation with lymphedema fat (LF). We conducted a pre- and post-operative satisfaction questionnaire survey and a histological assessment of the harvested LF fat. The overall mean general appearance score at an average of 6 months after the procedure was 7.2±0.5, demonstrating great improvement. Patients reported significant improvement in their skin texture with a reading of 8.5±0.7 and an improvement in their self-esteem. This study demonstrates that LF as an ideal autologous injectable filler is clinically applicable and easily available in patients with lymphedema. We recommend the further study and clinical use of this tissue as it exhibits important properties and qualities for future applications and research.