摘要

Autologous fat graft has been mentioned as a prospective source of soft-tissue filler for decades. It gives a natural consistency, is easy and safe to harvest, exhibits no hypersensitivity or foreign body reactions, and is readily available. However, the traditional fat grafting has its limitations in long term process, such as partial necrosis, loss of volume, and internal calcification. They all compromise the functional and aesthetic outcome of this procedure. In recent studies, the best results were obtained by transplanting fat tissue inside muscle, thus benefiting from its better blood supply. Muscle-derived stem cells have recently emerged as a promising source of multipotent cells which give rise to muscle fibers within muscular environment. Previous studies have also proved that muscle-derived stem cells are capable of releasing various kinds of angiogenesis agents, such as VEGF, HGF, and FGF. These cytokines are known to promote revascularization. Based on the foregoing facts, we postulate that co-transplant of autologous fat and muscle derived stem cells may enhance the long term retention and aesthetic outcome of fat grafting.

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