Professor KIM Il-guk’s team develops innovative fat grafting technique using 3D stem cells

Published in the December 2024 issue of the SCI-indexed International Journal of Surgery

[December 27, 2024]

<YU Professor KIM Il-guk’s research team (from left: Dr. PARK Bo-yoon, Researcher KWON Gyu-ri, Professor KIM Il-guk, Dr. LEE Sang-oh)>

 The research team led by Professor KIM Il-guk of Yeungnam University’s (YU) College of Medicine, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, has developed a new fat grafting method utilizing three-dimensional cultured stem cells. 

 While fat grafting is commonly known as a cosmetic procedure, it is also widely used in reconstructive plastic surgery to address congenital deformities, diseases, or trauma-induced body deformities. The technique offers significant advantages, including minimal immune or foreign body reactions, reduced complications at the treatment site, and the potential for repeated procedures. However, inconsistent fat survival rates among patients have made post-grafting volume predictability a major challenge. 

 The research team, which includes Dr. LEE Sang-oh and Dr. PARK Bo-yoon as co-first authors and Professor KIM as the corresponding author, proposed a novel approach using three-dimensional cultured adipose-derived stem cells instead of conventional stem cells. This innovative method not only enhances the retention of grafted fat but also promotes greater fat regeneration and vascularization.

 Commenting on the breakthrough, Professor KIM stated, “This study demonstrates that utilizing three-dimensional stem cells significantly improves the predictability of fat graft outcomes, enhances patient satisfaction, and opens new therapeutic possibilities in both reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery.”

 The team’s research paper, titled “Three-dimensional adipose-derived stem cell spheroids enhance adipogenesis and angiogenesis in fat graft: experimental research,” was published in the December 2024 issue of the SCI-indexed International Journal of Surgery (Impact Factor 12.5). This research was supported by the Medical Research Center (MRC) Program, which funds leading studies in basic medical science.