Greffe d'adipocytes : applications en chirurgie plastique et esthétique

Abstract

The utilisation of adipose tissue as filling product in plastic and aesthetic surgery is an ancient technique that has been largely studied. The use of autologous adipose transplant has been reported for the first time at the end of the nineteenth century. During the twentieth century, concepts and techniques have considerably evolved, and a renewed interest for adipocyte grafting is observed these last years, particularly after the description of the Lipostructure^® by Coleman. This is a recent technique of adipocyte grafting that requires the utilisation of a specific material and a rigorous methodology. Several published works have shown the atraumatic character of this technique and the survival of the transplanted adipose tissue. Such demonstration and the good results that were obtained have promoted the utilisation of this technique for the restoration of all volume defects. In addition to the description of the properties of adipose tissue, history, and current technique for adipocyte grafting, the current applications of adipocyte grafting are listed and illustrated. Indications for face, thorax, breast, and limbs are described. This a simple, efficient, and reproducible technique that currently appears to be the best means for restoration of volume defects. Its application in all fields of plastic surgery constitutes a considerable improvement.