Difference Between Fat Transfer Procedures?

Fat grafting is the surgical placement of a piece of fat or combination dermis and fat under direct vision to correct a defect. The fat is surgically harvested from a site where there is excess fat such as the abdomen or hip. Fat injection removes fat from an area with aspiration by syringe or liposuction. The fat cells are treated to prepare then for injection through a syringe and the fat is injected. Fat injection is a "blind procedure" meaning that the fat is injected beneath... more

Dear Vickisue, You ask a very good question! The answer is they all work- but the major factor is the surgeon and their experiences. I perform micro- fat grafting on the deep layer next to the bone for the hollow correction. 1/5 patients needs to add more fat at a minimum of 2 months after the first procedure. This may be combined with a full lower eyelid blepharoplasty which also may have the steps of removing the puffing fat via the transconjunctival route and supporting the lower... more

 I agree with Dr.Shafer to some degree. Fat grafting is a old technique with some new twist to it. The main issue is the surgeon who performs the grafting but not the name of the techniques. I been doing fat grafting for last 12 years and i believe it is a great tool is filling the tissue. 

Basically, those are just a bunch of names for the same thing. It all involves injecting fat through the skin, except the open grafting, which involves direct placement. In all cases, they are taking your own fat and putting where you need or want it. Fat grafting is a very effective method for filling volume loss in the face. Good luck with your procedure.