Increasing the viability of fat grafts by vascular endothelial growth factor.

Objective: To increase the viability of fat grafts using vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a calcium alginate microsphere controlled release system.

Design: Twenty-four rats were divided into 4 groups of 6 rats each. Group 1 was the preconditioning group in which VEGF was applied prior to the fat grafting. In group 2,VEGF was given at the time of the grafting. In group 3, an empty microsphere was added to the grafting material. The fourth group, which received the fat graft only, was the control group. At the 90th day, samples of the fat grafts were weighed and compared with preimplantation weights.

Results: The graft viability ratios of the first 3 groups were significantly higher than those of the control group. The relative adipocyte index was significantly higher in the first and second groups compared with the control group and group 3. Consistent with the literature, VEGF used both in the preconditioning procedure and simultaneously with the grafting procedure increased the graft viability ratio and relative adipocyte index.

Conclusion: This study suggests that VEGF-induced preconditioning of the recipient bed improves fat graft viability via increased revascularization.