Level B· Emerging Clinical Evidence

Efficacy and Safety of Cell-Assisted Lipotransfer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Zhou Y., Wang J., Li H., Li Q.

Pooled 17 articles covering 387 cases to estimate fat survival rate along with complication and reoperation incidence.

Study type
Meta-analysis
Journal
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2016)
Country
China
Sample size
387
Follow-up
Varied across included studies
PMID
26710060
DOI
10.1097/PRS.0000000000001981

What was studied

Fat survival rate and safety of cell-assisted fat grafting.

Methods

  • Searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, EBSCO and EMBASE for studies published 2008–2014.

Key findings

  • Produced a pooled estimate of fat survival rate from available studies.
  • Reported complications were predominantly minor.

Limitations

  • Most included studies were not RCTs.
  • Data date back to 2008 when techniques differed from today.

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

An early but still frequently cited synthesis; read alongside more recent meta-analyses.

Evidence level: Emerging Clinical Evidence

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