Uniform Treatment Protocol With Hybrid-SVF and Platelet-Rich Plasma on Micro-Fat Grafting With Face Lifting: A Preliminary Retrospective 3D Vectra Observational Study

Abstract Background Hybrid-SVF, a combination of mechanical stromal vascular fraction (M-SVF) and stromal vascular matrix fraction (M-SVM), is an alternative method to overcome limitations of low cell counts by conventional mechanical and enzymatic methods. Objectives Observation of volume retention in facial fat grafts enhanced with Hybrid M-SVF and platelets in pure platelet-rich plasma (P-PRP). Methods Using a 5:1 v/v ratio, proportional volumes of micro-fat to proportional volumes and quantitative cell counts of M-SVF/MSVM and PRP were delivered to palpebral-malar groove/malar fat pad units and evaluated by Vectra® Analysis for volumetric changes over 12 months. Results Collective analysis of 9 female patients (average age: 65.6 y) revealed the percentage volume retention increased from baseline to 3 months (54.9%), then progressively declined to its nadir at 5-7 months (38.4%), then rebounded to peak percentage values at 10-12 months (69.5%), p ˃ 0.05. Investigators’ ratings on the IGAIS scale are assessed. There were no reported long-term side effects or complications. Conclusions The application of M-SVF/M-SVM and platelets supported micro-fat grafting with simultaneous face (neck) lifting in a safe manner for patients older than 55 years of age in this preliminary study. However, the hypothesis-generated associations of SVF/SVM and platelets to improve volumetric fat changes were observational only, so that conclusions of a causal relationship could not be established in this limited uncontrolled trial. Thus, interpretation of results should be viewed with caution until future randomized controlled trials (RCT) are completed.