Histologic comparison of autologous fat processing methods

Purpose: To perform a quantitative analysis of adipocyte viability after fat processing during autologous fat transfer, comparing the processing methods of washing, centrifuging, and sedimentation. Methods: An experimental study was conducted in which 24 fat samples were obtained after processing from 22 patients undergoing autologous fat transfer. Histologic analysis of periodic acid-Schiff-stained specimens was then performed. Results: Cell counts per high-powered field of intact adipocytes and nucleated adipocytes and adipocyte cross-sectional area were significantly greater in samples processed by sedimentation, compared with those by centrifuging or washing. Conclusions: Of the various processing techniques currently used during autologous fat transfer, sedimentation appears to yield a higher proportion of viable adipocytes than does washing or centrifuging.