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Fat Transfer to the Heel Area?

asked 3 years ago by Marti18 in Beckley, WV
Latest answer by Robert M. Freund, MD
Question viewed 662 times
Tags: Virtual consultation

I have had a total of 3 steroid injections to the bottom of my left foot over a period of 3 years for plantar faciaitis. I now have some atrophy of the fatty tissue which is more painful than the heel spur was. Is there any treatment for this? I've heard that fat injections from other locations on the body is an option. If so, how helpful is this in relieving the pain?

4 answers to Fat Transfer to the Heel Area?

+1

Fat to the foot

I do not perform these procedures, but know that fat needs limited motion and minimal trauma to survive. I guess it can work in the foot, but would expect a lot of bedrest for ultimate success.
Robert M. Freund, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Fat transfer to the heel

Although it is possible to transfer factor the heel this is extremely uncommon. If you have a concern about her heel and if this tissue has suffered damage from multiple injections of steroids in this area, keep in mind that this tissue is no longer no normal heel tissue. The steroids have currently affected the tissue and have made them difficult to seal and much thinner than normal. Going forward, it is extremely important to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon with a great... more
B. Pat Pazmino, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

High resorption rate for heel augmentation with fat

Fat is a great material to use to be able to fill defects. However, using it in the heel is very different. If the injection needs to be done in the area of weight bearing(heel or base of toes), there is a high chance for resorption due to pressure necrosis. If the instep is to be injected, there is a better chance for survival. Hope that helps.
Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Ask a Respected Podiatrist: Fat grafting to the heel/foot

The use of injections to the heel is generally practiced by Podiatrists and not orthopedic ankle and foot specialists. I am aware that some prefer Radiesse for this purpose but this really depends on the experience of your treating practitioner. Although adipose tissue (fat) is easy to put on, it is an extremely delicate tissue and not entirely predictable in its behavior. Injection generally demands that you over inject in order to achieve a desired result. The heel is exposed to repeated... more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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