Regenerative touch: enhancing post-burn scar quality through autologous free fat grafting
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-2902.isj20261575Keywords:
Lipofilling, Burns, Cicatrix, Contracture, Fat grafting, Burn scars, POSAS, ADSC, Scar remodellingAbstract
Post-burn scars lead to functional and cosmetic deformities. Conventional treatments have limited outcomes. Autologous fat grafting has emerged as a regenerative modality. A hospital-based prospective study was conducted on 17 patients with post-burn scars (>6 months). Fat grafting was performed using a modified Coleman technique. Scar assessment was done using POSAS scale at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. Statistical analysis was done using repeated measures ANOVA. There was a statistically significant improvement in both subjective and objective POSAS scores (p<0.001). Maximum improvement was noted in itching, thickness and pliability. Histological analysis showed collagen remodelling, increased vascularity, and reduced fibrosis. Complications were minimal, mainly transient edema. Autologous fat grafting is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive technique for improving post-burn scar quality with significant clinical and histological benefits.
References
WHO. Burns. Geneva: World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/burns?. Accessed on 14 April 2026.
Sarkar S, Bhattacharya S. Epidemiology of burn injuries in India. Indian J Plast Surg. 2013;46(2):243-9.
Atiyeh BS, Gunn SWA, Hayek SN. State of the art in burn treatment. World J Surg. 2005;29(2):131-48.
Parbhoo A, Rode H. Psychosocial impact of burns in children. Burns. 2002;28(6):565-9.
Kraft R, Schiestl C. Post-traumatic stress disorder following burn injuries: a systematic review. Burns. 2019;45(3):547-55.
WHO. Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization as adopted by the International Health Conference, New York. 1946. Available at: https://www.who.int/about/governance/constitution. Accessed on 14 April 2026.
Patil PR, Deshpande SS. Gender differences in scar management-seeking behavior. Burns. 2018;44(2):399-406.
Suman OE, Spies RJ. Epidemiology of post-burn scar patients attending tertiary care clinics. Burns. 2015;41(3):562-8.
Coleman SR. Structural fat grafting: the lateral thigh and abdomen as donor sites. ClinPlast Surg. 1997;24(2):347-67.
Kanchwala SK, Holloway L, Christensen JM. Donor site selection and contour outcomes in autologous fat grafting. PlastReconstr Surg. 2006;118:1049-56.
Rohrich RJ, Sorokin ES, Brown SA. Management of facial and neck contour defects with autologous fat. PlastReconstr Surg. 2000;105:2487-502.
Klinger M, Marazzi M, Vigo D, Torre M. Fat injection for cases of severe burn outcomes: A new perspective of scar remodeling and reduction. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2008;32(3):465-9.
Brongo S, Nicoletti GF, La Padula S, Mele CM, D’Andrea F. Use of lipofilling for the treatment of severe burn outcomes. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2012;130(2):374e-6.
Pallua N, Wolter TP. Long-term effects of autologous fat transplantation on scar remodeling. PlastReconstr Surg. 2001;108:1339-48.
Guerrerosantos J, De Rosa D, Bianchi A. Safety and complications in autologous fat grafting: a review of clinical series. PlastReconstr Surg. 1999;104:255-64.
Coleman SR, Saboeiro AP. Fat grafting to the breast revisited: safety and efficacy. PlastReconstr Surg. 2007;119:775-85.
Matsumoto D, Sato K, Gonda K, Takaki Y, Shigeura T, Sato T, et al. Cell-assisted lipotransfer: supportive use of human adipose-derived cells for soft tissue augmentation with lipoinjection. Tissue Eng. 2006;12(12):3375-82.
Rehman J, Traktuev D, Li J, Merfeld-Clauss S, Temm-Grove CJ, Bovenkerk JE, et al. Secretion of angiogenic and antiapoptotic factors by human adipose stromal cells. Circulation. 2004;109(10):1292-8.
Yoshimura K, Sato K, Aoi N, Kurita H, Itoh T, Akimoto K, et al. Cell-assisted lipotransfer for cosmetic breast augmentation: supportive use of adipose-derived stem/stromal cells. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2008;32(1):48-55.
Kato H, Mineda K, Eto H, Doi K, Kuno S, Kinoshita K, et al. Degeneration, regeneration, and cicatrization after fat grafting: dynamic total tissue remodeling during the first 3 months. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2014;133(3):303e-13.
Rigotti G, Marchi A, Galiè M, Baroni G, Benati D, Krampera M, et al. Clinical treatment of radiotherapy tissue damage by lipoaspirate transplant: a healing process mediated by adipose-derived adult stem cells. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007;119(5):1409-22.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
