Difference Between Fat Grafting and Fat Injections?

Structural fat grafting, is a process in which small amounts (less than 0.1 cc at a time) of fat are carefully microinjected in a series of discrete layers to gradually 'build' new soft tissue structure. As there is space between each microinjection, new blood vessels are able to grow into the grafted fat, allowing it to persist. If this process of blood vessel ingrowth (neovascularization) does not occur, then the injected tissue cannot truly be considered a 'graft' and... more

In plastic surgery, the term "graft" is used generally for something that is moved from one part of the body to another, where it will become revascularized and live. Common grafts are : skin grafts, bone grafts, cartilage grafts, and fat grafts. So the fat being moved is referred to as a "fat graft", and the procedure "fat grafting". The fact that it is placed via a needle yields the term "fat injection" - it is all the same thing....

NO difference. The injection of fat is just another way of fat grafting. All other modifications of this terminology is done either for clarification, separation but most commonly, for commercial gain. Good Luck. Peter A Aldea, MD

I use the words fat grafting, fat transfer, liposculpting, sculptura fat grafting, etc. all interchangeably. Ideally, we should have one nomenclature for all of this. The title of my first book on fat transfer was Complementary Fat Grafting because I see it as both a wonderful standalone procedure and one that can complement other types of procedures for facial rejuvenation. see video

Yanet,Yes, both fat grafting and fat injections are the same procedure. Terms which may be used for the same procedure are liposculpture, fat transfer, autologous fat grafting, micro fat graft, fat augmentation, and others. The procedure takes your own fat via liposuction, usually from around the abdomen, and injects it into areas of the face that require volume. Fat may also be harvested from the hip, legs, and buttocks. Fat should be harvested, processed, and injected with minimal trauma,... more