Objective To summarize the recent advances in the research of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) for the treatment of refractory wounds. Methods The related literature about using ADSCs for treating refractory wounds in recent years was reviewed, and their repair mechanism and treatment progress were summarized in detail. Results Tremendous progress has been achieved in using ADSCs in combination with single stent technology, sheet technology, and other methods to promote the healing of refractory wounds. ADSCs can accelerate wound angiogenesis and promote the healing of refractory wounds through its own mechanisms of paracrine, proangiogenic, anti-oxidative and apoptosis. Conclusion With the advantages of adequate sources, easy to extract and culture, non-immune rejection, multidirectional differentiation potential, and significant angiogenic potential, ADSCs has become the ideal seed cells of tissue regeneration. However, it is necessary to improve stem cell transmission technology and develop biomaterials for clinical application in order to improve the refractory wounds healing.