Fat transfer can be permanent.  However, I tell patients that not all the fat will probably "take" and a repeat procedure or two may be required to get the desired result.

Ang47,

Fat grafting has revolutionized plastic surgery. More and more uses are popping up every day. However, there is still an element of unpredictability to fag graft survival. In most cases the grafts survive. However, there is a chance that some if it will be absorbed by the body. As newer techniques are developed such as micro fat grafting, the percentage of viable fat transfers is increasing. I feel you should not over correct, since if all the fat survives, you will look over corrected. Also, if you gain weight, you will also gain weight in this transfered fat. The best plan is to put just as much as you need, with the expectation that you may need a second treatment if the first graft does not completely take. I hope this is helpful.

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Permanent is a difficult word. Does that mean that even when in the grave that the fat will stay? I don't think so.

In general, most doctors report some portion of the fat will remain in the desired area for years after the procedure. Some reports have the amount of fat that survives at between 20% and 60% of that which is injected.

That leaves the physician in a dilemma:

1. Should the physicians OVERFILL the fat into the area to accomodate the loss of fat. My answer to that is a resounding no! Overfilling leads to distorted results and may cause fat to die prematurely.

2. Perhaps the physician should plan to reinject fat several times at different times.

3. Finally, the doctors can choose to use techniques that maximize fat viability as described by Dr. Rodriguez below. The viafill system is designed to maximize fat viability.

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