Enhancing Fat Graft Survival with Poly-L-Lactic Acid: An Experimental Study in Wistar Rats.

[INTRODUCTION] Autologous fat grafting remains a topic of debate, involving not only the pathophysiology of its absorption but also the techniques that promote better integration for more predictable results.

[OBJECTIVE] This study aimed to assess the impact of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) on fragmented fat grafts in the dorsal region of Wistar rats.

[METHOD] Twenty-one male Wistar rats, weighing 283 to 394 g, were randomly divided into three groups and monitored over 150 days. Fat was harvested from the flanks via direct incision, mechanically fragmented, and grafted into the dorsum. Group 1 received 1ml of fragmented fat; Group 2 received 0.5 ml of fragmented fat, and Group 3 received a mixture of 0.5 ml of fat with 0.5ml of PLLA. The grafts were evaluated for final volume, necrosis, fibrosis, and inflammation.

[RESULTS] The group treated with PLLA demonstrated reduced inflammatory and necrotic changes, alongside superior volume retention (p < 0.05), when compared to groups receiving fat grafts alone. No differences were observed between groups 1 and 2 in any of the measured parameters.

[CONCLUSION] The incorporation of PLLA with fragmented fat grafts in rats resulted in decreased inflammation and necrosis and improved fat retention compared to isolated fat grafts.

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