Enhancing Fat Graft Survival with Poly-L-Lactic Acid: An Experimental Study in Wistar Rats.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Autologous fat grafting remains a topic of debate, involving not only the pathophysiology of its absorption but also the techniques that promote better integration for more predictable results. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the impact of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) on fragmented fat grafts in the dorsal region of Wistar rats. METHOD: Twenty-one male Wistar rats, weighing 283 to 394&#xa0;g, were randomly divided into three groups and monitored over 150 days. Fat was harvested from the flanks via direct incision, mechanically fragmented, and grafted into the dorsum. Group 1 received 1ml of fragmented fat; Group 2 received 0.5&#xa0;ml of fragmented fat, and Group 3 received a mixture of 0.5&#xa0;ml of fat with 0.5ml of PLLA. The grafts were evaluated for final volume, necrosis, fibrosis, and inflammation. RESULTS: The group treated with PLLA demonstrated reduced inflammatory and necrotic changes, alongside superior volume retention (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05), when compared to groups receiving fat grafts alone. No differences were observed between groups 1 and 2 in any of the measured parameters. CONCLUSION: The incorporation of PLLA with fragmented fat grafts in rats resulted in decreased inflammation and necrosis and improved fat retention compared to isolated fat grafts. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.