How is SVF isolated from fat, step by step?
SVF is isolated in four steps. Fat is harvested by liposuction and the lipoaspirate is washed. The tissue is then broken down with enzymes such as collagenase, or by mechanical or ultrasonic processing. Finally it is centrifuged so buoyant fat cells and oil separate from a cell pellet, which is the stromal vascular fraction. SVF is not culture-expanded, and cell count and viability are measured before use.
Answer
- Harvest: fat is removed by liposuction under local or general anaesthesia. Liposuction carries its own surgical risks, such as bruising, swelling and infection[3].
- Wash: blood and tumescent fluid are rinsed out of the lipoaspirate.
- Break down the tissue: the fat is digested with an enzyme such as collagenase, or disrupted mechanically or ultrasonically. Mechanical isolation methods have been described in the literature[2].
- Centrifuge: oil and mature fat cells float to the top, and the cell pellet at the bottom is the SVF.
- Measure: cells are counted and their viability is checked before use.
The ISSCR notes that enzymatic or ultrasonic processing can alter the original function of the cells. For that reason, safety and efficacy have to be shown for each specific use[1]. SVF composition varies with the person, the harvest site and the method. The sources cited here do not give a standard cell yield for each method. When talking to a specialist, ask which processing method is used, whether cell counts and viability results are shared, and what regulatory status applies.
Sources
- organizationISSCR Guidelines for Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation — International Society for Stem Cell Research · accessed Sep 20, 2026 · Evidence page
- journalA Simple and Effective Mechanical Method for Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction Isolation — Cureus, via PubMed Central · accessed Sep 20, 2026 · Evidence page
- governmentLiposuction — NHS (UK National Health Service) · accessed Sep 20, 2026 · Evidence page