OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical effect of cell-assisted lipotransfer (CAL) for breast augmentation.

METHODS18 patients accepted breast augmentation using CAL. 10 patients completed 6-month follow-up and were involved in the study. The adipose tissue was harvested from patients' thighs, flanks and lower abdomen with Lipokit. After standing, 250 ml fatty portion and 500 ml fluid portion of suction aspirates were processed according to the procedures reported in reference. Flow-cytometry was used to detect the percentage of adipose-derived stem cells(ADSCs) in distilled stromal vascular fraction (SVF). The differentiation function of cultured cells also was assessed. The breast volume and images were evaluated by using MRI before operation, 3 and 6 months after operation. The breast volume was marked as V0, V3 and V6 respectively. The resorption rate of transplanted adipose tissue for each breast was calculated and marked as R3 and R6.

RESULTSAveragely, the percentage of ADSCs in freshly distilled SVF was 41.67%. The in-vitro cultured cell grew well and could differentiate into fat, bone and cartilage. Statistics showed that V0, V3 and V6 was (416.19 +/- 40.43) ml, (551.72 +/- 59.86) ml and (538.81 +/- 68.35) ml respectively. R3 and R6 was (51.20 +/- 11.96)% and (54.22 +/- 12.73)%. There was significant difference between V3 and V0 (P < 0.05), V6 and V0. However, no significant difference was showed between V3 and V6 or R3 and R6. In addition, no cyst or calcification was seen in all MRI images.

CONCLUSIONSIn process of breast augmentation using CAL, the distilled SVF contains 41.67% ADSCs which have adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic function. Within 3-month post-operation, the breast volume decreases obviously but the volume sustains after that. Compared with the preoperative volume, the 6-month postoperative volume is significantly increased and the breasts' contour is improved greatly. This study indicates that CAL is a safe and effective way for breast augmentation.