Fat Grafting With Lymphedema Fat: From Trash to Treasure?

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Liposuction is a common procedure for patients with lymphedema with nonpitting adipose tissue hypertrophy. However, routinely, the lipoaspirate is discarded. Experimental studies have shown that adipose-derived stem cells in fat may enhance the regenerative and lymphangiogenic effects of the fat. Recent evidence has shown that lymphedema fat is enriched in adipose-derived stem cell populations, thus making it an interesting regenerative option. This article introduces a novel surgical technique using the lipoaspirate of a patient with lymphedema for regenerative purposes. A 42-year-old woman developed lymphedema 18 months after mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection surgery. The patient underwent upper limb liposuction and latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction of the breast. Lipofilling of the flap and axillary area after scar release was performed using suctioned lymphedema fat. The results showed a sustained reduction in the volume of the lymphedema arm, an improved lymphatic transport index, decreased fluid extravasation, and new lymphatics in the upper arm. At 64-month follow-up, the patient had good breast symmetry, had minimal swelling of the lymphedema arm, and rarely used compression garments. This report is the first to use lymphedema fat for regenerative purposes, differentiating it from existing literature that uses healthy fat. In conclusion, successful dual-e

Evidence level

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

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