What is SVF (stromal vascular fraction)?
Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is the heterogeneous mix of cells left after mature fat cells are removed from processed adipose tissue. It contains stromal/stem cells, endothelial cells, pericytes and immune cells. SVF is isolated from liposuctioned fat by enzymatic or mechanical processing and is used in research and in some fat grafting procedures. It is not a purified stem cell product, and its composition depends on the processing method.
Detailed answer
SVF is obtained in a single session: fat is harvested by liposuction, digested with an enzyme such as collagenase or processed mechanically, and centrifuged so that adipocytes separate from the cell pellet. The pellet is the SVF. Stem/stromal cells make up a minority of SVF cells. Because processing can change cell function, the ISSCR recommends that safety and efficacy be demonstrated for each specific SVF application, and regulatory status differs by country.
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- academicSafety profile of autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction in clinical use: an exhaustive literature review — Stem Cell Research & Therapy (2026) · accessed 2026-09-14
- academicISSCR Guidelines for Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation — International Society for Stem Cell Research · accessed 2026-09-14