Fig. 4

Evaluation of skin texture. Patients in the SVF group had higher scores when their expanded skin texture was assessed compared to patients in the control group at 12 weeks (a). Compared to baseline, patients in the SVF group showed significantly improved skin textures (d–f) at 12 weeks posttreatment but those in the control group had no improvement (b, c). The skin texture of patients in the control group was deteriorated after 12 weeks posttreatment. This deterioration was noted by increased telangiectasia (b) and a deepening of the stretch striae (c). d Prior to study enrollment, the patient had papery skin accompanied by telangiectasia and the development of an embolism (shown by the arrow). The patient was facing expansion failure. After SVF treatment, his skin texture improved, and its thickness increased. The telangiectasia area was diminished (shown by the arrow). The patient gained further expansion until reaching the need for reconstruction. e The patient had stretch marks throughout the expanded skin at baseline. After 12 weeks of SVF treatment, the stretch striae had disappeared, and skin growth improved. f Before study enrollment, the patient’s expanded skin appeared papery with stretch striae, and expansion could not be continued. After 12 weeks of SVF treatment, the skin had increased in thickness, and the stretch marks diminished