Systematic Review of the Therapeutic Roles of Adipose Tissue in Dermatology

Publication date: Available online 11 June 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Frances M. Walocko, Ariel E. Eber, Robert S. Kirsner, Evangelos Badiavas, Keyvan Nouri
BackgroundAdipose tissue has classically functioned as a filler in restoring facial volume. Adipose tissue is also rich in stem cells, which may have a role in regenerative medicine.ObjectiveTo summarize the literature on the clinical uses of adipose tissue in scarring, wound healing, and hair growth and determine if evidence exists for clinical practice changes in dermatology.MethodsWe utilized the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) to conduct the review. The PubMed search engine was used to assess the available literature on adipose tissue in scarring, wound healing, and hair growth.ResultsThirteen studies matched our inclusion criteria. Six of seven studies on scar treatment, all three studies on wound healing, and all three studies on hair growth demonstrated improved outcomes with adipose tissue treatments.LimitationsThe literature supporting the use of adipose tissue is limited to case series, cohort studies, and small randomized controlled trials, which have an overall low level of evidence.ConclusionThe existing evidence for adipose tissue as a treatment option in scarring, wound healing, and hair growth is not strong enough to justify changes to current clinical practice. The literature does provide evidence for future large randomized clinical trials.

Teaser

Adipose tissue is rich in stem cells that secrete trophic factors; Several studies have demonstrated improved outcomes in scarring, wound healing, and hair growth with adipose tissue treatments; The evidence on using adipose tissue to treat complex dermatologic conditions is not strong enough to justify changes to current clinical practice.