Are fat transfer results permanent?

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10 answers to “Are fat transfer results permanent?”

A: Fat injections can be "permanent"

Philip Young, MD

One thing to realize is that fat injections and anything in life aren't necessarily permanent and forever.  Fat injection results can last many years if done right. Just like the fat that you had when you were younger, they eventually went away after a while as you aged. This same process will eventually... more

A: American Society of Plastic Surgeons official position

Ricardo Rodriguez, MD

Quote from: "Current Applications and Safety of Autologous Fat Grafts: A Report of the ASPS Fat Graft Task Force" from Feb 2009 NOTE: The results therefore might vary depending on the surgeons technique and experience with the procedure. The important factors in improving viability are: 1 Harvesting... more

A: Fat transfer results

Brent Moelleken, MD

We have performed experiments on the survival of Coleman aspirated fat grafts. We have published these stueies in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and presented them at ASAPS and ASPS meetings. We believe the initial viability to be around 20-25%. Final survival is even lower. The issue is how viability... more

A: Resorption is a problem with Fat Grafts

Michael Law, MD

For patients seeking permanent enhancement of soft tissue volume, the ideal material to use would obviously be something that is naturally-occurring and not rejected by the body or treated by the immune system as a foreign material. Whether the goal is to restore volume to an area such as the lips or the... more

A: The results may vary

Ronald Shelton, MD

Many patients who have had fat injections have had results that lasted more than five years and more. This is thought to be permanent, if the fat graft “takes.” Unfortunately, not all patients achieve a good fat graft and their results can disappear within the first year.

A: A good portion of the fat will often stay permanently

Peyman Solieman, MD

Hi Ang47, You ask a great question. How much of the injected fat remains permanently depends on the area into which it is grafted and how it is handled during the procedure. In the past much of the fat injected disappeared with time, however, newer micro fat injection techniques allow for more consistent... more

A: Are Fat Transfer Procedures Permanent?

Michael A. Persky, MD

Hi Ang, When performed using proper techniques of harvesting fat, treating the fat, and then injecting the fat, the fat that survives is permanent living fat.  The techniques of Coleman, Lam, and Glasgold have been proven to stand the test of time.  The percentage of fat transferred that survives... more

A: fat transfer results

Steven Wallach, MD

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.

A: Fat grafts have the potential to be permanent

David Shafer, MD

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... more

A: All depends on the technique.

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

The classic teaching regarding fat grafting will tell you that you could loose 30% of the injected fat by 6-9 month following injection. The newer techniques of fat preservation and gentle handling would deliver much better results and published data shows consistent results for several years. This technique... more

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Comments

jen998899
3 posts
25 Jan 2009

These Doctors should not say fat transfer lasts. This is not true.There is no proof that it is lasting in scientific studies. Only "proof" is in statements and subjective opinions by a few Doctors that make their money from doing it.

michhy
21 posts
7 Apr 2009

Oh I am proof that fat lasts, I have had it since 1993. I have even had some cut out,because there was to much put in! I think technique is crucial.

michhy
21 posts
25 Jul 2009

I think the reason it lasted on me was I was in my 20's and I think there are more stem cells present at that age. Anyway the doctor who did it has a local unknown and has since retired.I might also add he only charged me 400.00 back in 1993 and it was done under local.

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