Efficacy of Stromal Vascular Fraction for Scar Prevention: A Multicenter, Double-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial.

In 30 seconds

This multicenter, double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial evaluated intraoperative stromal vascular fraction (SVF) injections for scar prevention in 45 patients undergoing free tissue transfer at three institutions. Each donor-site incision was divided between randomly assigned SVF and saline treatment. At 6 months, Vancouver Scar Scale scores were significantly better on the SVF-treated side, but the difference was not maintained at 9 months. Patient-reported satisfaction with scar appearance favored SVF at both follow-ups, while measured erythema and melanin levels did not significantly change.

Key findings

• At 6 months, Vancouver Scar Scale scores significantly favored SVF over saline; this difference was not maintained at 9 months.
• Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire results showed greater satisfaction with scar appearance after SVF at 6 and 9 months.
• SVF was not associated with significant changes in measured erythema or melanin levels.

Why it matters

Scar outcomes can affect patients after reconstructive surgery, and this trial suggests intraoperative SVF may improve clinician-rated scar quality in the short term and patient-reported appearance satisfaction. The differing results across assessment measures, and the loss of the VSS difference by 9 months, underscore the importance of considering both follow-up duration and outcome type when evaluating scar interventions.

What to keep in mind

The study enrolled 45 patients, and the VSS benefit was not maintained at 9 months; the abstract reports no longer-term outcomes.