Higher Cell Viability and Enhanced Sample Quality Following Laser-Assisted Liposuction versus Mechanical Liposuction

Background: Despite the popularity of autologous fat transfer applications, high resorption rates, and consequential volume loss, have been reported. Viable adipocyte content has been defined as a key determinant of fat transfer longevity. Moreover, traces of blood, free oil fat and fibrotic tissue accelerate adipocyte degradation. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of a 1470 nm, radial emitting laser-assisted liposection device to a mechanical liposection device in maintaining adipocyte viability in fat tissue harvests. Methods: Bilateral subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were harvested from ten female patients. Fat was harvested from one side using the LipoLife laser-assisted liposuction device and from the other side with a Byron mechanical aspirator. Samples were visually analyzed and blood:fat ratios and cell viability were determined. Results: Laser-harvested samples separated into two distinct phases, with a negligible blood phase at the bottom (1.1%) and a significant adipose phase at the top (98.9%), containing small, uniform-sized cells, of which 95.7% ± 2.7% proved viable. Mechanically harvested samples separated into blood (18%), adipose (60%) and lipid (22%) phases. The adipose phase contained significant amounts of connective tissue, large adipose tissue fragments, large oil droplets and a mean 79.7% ± 18.3% viable adipocytes. Conclusions: Laser liposuctioning was superior to mechanical liposuctioning, providing both higher cell viability and enhanced sample quality. The 1470 nm diode laser bears the potential of improving long-term clinical outcomes of fat transfer procedures. Improved purity of the harvested sample and heightened preadipocyte content are projected to provide for extended graft longevity.