Different Techniques for Facial Fat Transfer?

Obviously it appears as though there are as many opinions on fat grafting as there are plastic surgeons, and this must be profoundly confusing to prospective patients. A number of physicians responding in this thread have made dogmatic statements about various procedures that may very well represent their own personal experience and preferences, but that do not necessarily provide interested laypersons with a balanced and accurate view of the options currently available for restoring... more

There is no evidence based scientific studies proving one technique is better than the other, however, gentle handling of the harvested fat and injecting very small amounts improves the results

You are confused because so many doctors do this procedure differently as you state. There are no convincing studies that state that frozen fat doesn’t work as well as fresh fat, nor any evidence that indicates only one method is appropriate. Just make sure that if the fat is frozen, the doctor has a mechanism to safeguard the fat if a power outage occurs, and that there is a mechanism in place to ensure that you receive your stored fat and not someone else’s by mistake! There should... more

Facial cosmetic surgery with autologous (your own) fat is a key procedure that many plastic surgeons perform, with or without additional cosmetic surgery. Fat may be transferred to many areas of the body, although the face is the primary location for rejuvenation. Fat injection with micro grafting has many subtle variations in technique. The surgeon harvests, processes, and injects fat with methods that ensures that most of the fat is preserved and with minimal damage to the tissue. Fresh... more

Dear Intears, I am delighted that you ask this question. Fat transfer has been a controversial topic for many years. A lot of Plastic Surgeons refused to adopt the technique of fat transfer for facial contouring due to historic reasons and techniques. Obviously the test of time has born out that tranfsering fat does work to add volume to an area of the body. The principle is to transfer small amounts to each tiny location- so that the fat can take on a new blood supply. There is a lot... more

Hi InTears, There are many different techniques of fat transfer. Freshly harvested fat is best to use and has the best longevity. Some physicians do freeze and store the fat that is left over to use it for touch ups 5 to 6 months after the initial procedure. The percentage of fat transferred that survives, and the percentage of viable fat cells are much lower in frozen fat. Good luck and be well. Dr. P

Although there are indeed many different techniques for fat transfer to the face, or for that matter anywhere else, the principles of successful fat grafting are now well known. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has published a position paper on this on their Journal's June issue. Briefly: Extraction under low pressure system Centrigugation at low G forces and for less than 3 minutes Minimal manipulation of fat or exposure to air and contaminants Injection with small cannulas... more