How is SVF isolated from fat, step by step?

1. Harvest: fat is removed by liposuction under local or general anaesthesia. Liposuction carries its own surgical risks, such as bruising, swelling and infection[3].
2. Wash: blood and tumescent fluid are rinsed out of the lipoaspirate.
3. 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].
4. Centrifuge: oil and mature fat cells float to the top, and the cell pellet at the bottom is the SVF.
5. 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.