Level B· Emerging Clinical Evidence
Efficacy of stromal vascular fraction in the treatment of scars: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Qiu K., Gan W., Chen X.
Pooled four studies with 145 patients (64 receiving SVF): significant benefit for vascularity, itching, POSAS and scar thickness.
- Study type
- Meta-analysis
- Journal
- Skin Research and Technology (2024)
- Country
- China
- Sample size
- 145
- Follow-up
- Varied across included studies
- PMID
- 39086176
- DOI
- 10.1111/srt.13881
What was studied
Effects of SVF across multiple scar characteristics.
Methods
- • Searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science.
- • Outcomes included vascularity, pigmentation, thickness, pliability, surface area, pain and itching.
Key findings
- • Significant improvement in vascularity (p = 0.04), itching (p = 0.002), POSAS (p = 0.001) and thickness (p < 0.001).
- • No significant difference for colour, pigmentation, surface area, pain or pliability.
Limitations
- • Only four studies with a small pooled sample.
- • Scar types and protocols differed.
What this study does not prove
- • This study does not prove SVF is an approved treatment or a replacement for standard care.
- • Limited follow-up cannot indicate long-term outcomes.
Clinical interpretation
Positive but thin evidence — informative for decisions, not conclusive.
Evidence level: Emerging Clinical Evidence