Autologous fat transfer is a popular breast augmentation method favored by many due to its non-invasive nature. However, it has limitations: not all injected fat survives. A common concern is: What is the survival rate of autologous fat transfer?Generally, several factors influence the survival rate of autologous fat transfer for breast augmentation:
1. Selection of the donor site
Research indicates that lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity varies across different body regions. Fat tissue from the thighs exhibits higher LPL activity than other areas. Higher LPL activity promotes the regeneration and survival of transplanted fat cells.LPL activity is highest in the thighs and buttocks, decreasing sequentially through the lower abdomen and upper abdomen. Based on this research and the distribution of deep fat layers in these areas, the lower torso is the preferred donor site for autologous fat transfer in breast augmentation. 2. Liposuction Technique The method used to extract fat tissue during surgery directly impacts outcomes. The procedure inevitably causes damage and destruction to some cells.The greater the extent of damage, the fewer viable cells remain, and the lower the survival rate.
III. Purification of Fat Particles
Collected fat particles should be washed and filtered using 4°C saline solution to remove damaged fat cells, lipid droplets, and blood. The purification process requires strict adherence to aseptic technique. Additionally, minimize the time fat particles spend outside the body to enhance fat cell survival.
IV. Injection Technique
The principle involves uniform dispersion within the recipient tissue. Fat is injected at multiple points into the subcutaneous and retro-mammary spaces. Each injection site should not exceed 1 ml, avoiding concentration in any single area. Post-injection massage is performed to smooth the tissue. This method facilitates fat survival due to small fat volumes, dispersed locations, and the establishment of blood supply within the implants.