294 Stem Cell Enriched Fat Grafts Versus Autologous Fat Grafts for Facial Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Aim To compare the results of stem cell-enhanced fat grafting to autologous fat grafting for face reconstruction. Method A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines, and an electronic search was carried out to identify all Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs), case control studies, and cohort studies comparing the outcomes of stem cell-enrichment fat grafting versus routine fat grafting for facial reconstruction. The primary outcome measures were volume retention and infection rate. Secondary outcome measures included post-surgery patient satisfaction, redness and swelling, fat necrosis, cysts, and operation time. For the analysis, fixed and random effects modelling were utilised. Results Eight studies with a total of 275 participants were assessed. In terms of mean volume retention, there was a significant difference between the stem cell-enrichment fat grafting and routine grafting groups (standardised Mean Difference [MD] = 2.49, P 0.00001). However, there was no significant difference in infection rates between the two groups (OR = 0.36, P = 0.30). Except for the operation duration, which was shorter in the latter, the intervention group had similar results to the control group for all secondary outcomes. Conclusions When compared to conventional fat grafting, stem cell-enriched fat grafting is a better alternative for facial reconstruction surgery since it enhances mean volume retention and does not worsen patient satisfaction or surgical complications.