Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Interventional Ages 18 and up

Autologous layered fat-and-skin grafting for post-burn scar contracture

Official title: Autologous Point-of-Care Adipose Therapy for Reconstruction and Regeneration of Traumatized Skin: Delayed Injury/Scar

Run by University of Pittsburgh · NCT06857435 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether using a patient’s own fat layer plus a skin graft can match the results of a full-thickness skin graft for delayed reconstruction of burn- or trauma-related scar contractures.

More Burns trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations2 sites (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 4, 2025
Main results expectedJanuary 31, 2028
Study endsOctober 30, 2028
Registry record updatedJuly 22, 2026
Trial IDNCT06857435 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults 18 years and older with scar contractures from burns or trauma, eligible for scar revision and reconstruction, and willing to be randomized.

Probably not a fit

Patients for whom randomized fat grafting is not feasible or appropriate, or those with contraindications to fat grafting or skin grafting.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Adults with burn or trauma-related scar contractures are randomized to receive either standard full-thickness skin grafting or an autologous layered composite grafting approach that includes a fat graft at the base followed by skin grafting. The study aims to determine non-inferiority of the fat-plus-skin method in healing, scar quality, and infection risk. Evaluators are blinded to treatment assignment to reduce bias. The approach is designed as a single-stage reconstruction to improve tissue softness, reduce scarring, and simplify the procedure. Primary methods include fat grafting at the time of scar revision and concurrent split-thickness skin grafting for soft-tissue restoration.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from similar or better healing with potentially reduced scarring and infection risk using a single-stage, fat-inclusive reconstruction.

How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests fat grafting can improve soft tissue characteristics and reduce scar formation in reconstructive procedures; this study evaluates non-inferiority in a receptor-blinded randomized context.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* The proposed study will include adult patients 18 years of age or older,
* male or female,
* civilian, military, active duty or retired veterans
* presenting for scar contracture release and reconstruction at any level.
* Additional inclusion criteria includes willingness to be randomized to receive a fat graft.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \< 18 years of age,
* active infection,
* medical co-morbidities or anatomic configuration deemed by the physician to be a concern for safety,
* unwilling or unable to comply with study procedures,
* radiation to the site of interest,
* prisoners and/or vulnerable populations.
* In addition, candidates that are pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the next year, will be excluded.

Where it's running

  • Mercy Hospital
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
    Recruiting
  • Presbyterian Hospital
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Francesco Egro — University of Pittsburgh
  • Study coordinator: Eleanor Shirley
  • Email: shirleye@upmc.edu
  • Phone: 412-641-8676

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.