Can you store fat from a procedure for later usage?

Question

I am having a mommy makeover but would like to possibly have a bbl later. Is this possible?

Michelle Spring, MD, FACS · Answer

I recommend scheduling the procedures so that you can use the fat harvested at the same time for the buttock augmentation.  The mommy makeover can be planned as a second procedure so that you can optimize the amount of fat harvested at the first stage.  Fat graft survival is crucial in determining the outcome, so I recommend patients do everything they can to optimize results (which includes not lying on the fat grafts right after surgery and not relying on stored or frozen fat).Best wishes,Dr. Michelle Spring

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

It is possible to freeze fat and some practices do this.  However, for the best survival of fat for a BBL procedure, the fat should be grafted right away.  From what I have heard, the amounts that are frozen for later use are generally small.  There doesn't seem much point as it is fairly easy to harvest small amounts of fresh fat.  I'm not sure if it would be best to store large amounts of frozen fat for later use.

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Brazilian butt lift includes removing fat and 
transferring it to the hips and buttocks. We get the fat from areas of 
excess fat such as the flanks, backs, and tummy. We prefer fresh fat. Stored fat will have lower survival rates. Many of our patients who need BBL and tummy tuck prefer to do the BBL prior to the tummy tuck. The usual recovery is 
1-2 weeks which also depends on your profession. Majority of our 
patients are nurses and doctors who do not need to seat at at work and 
can return to work in 1 week.  Make sure you see a "real" plastic 
surgeon. Do your homework well before the consult.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would only recommend transfer of fat at the time of liposuction harvest.  Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

At the moment there is no practical way to store fat for later use. This may come to pass but it probably will be very expensive.

George Volpe, MD · Answer

Fat cells unfortunately do not survive the freezing process. If they are transferred, most will eventually be restored. It is not recommended. There are also rules and regulations regarding the storage of tissue which are complex. Most plastic surgeons do not have the FDA required storage facility equipment for this.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

That's a great question. You cannot store fat for later use. Fat cells are very sensitive to dehydration, they cannot be frozen because the thawing process would destroy them. Fat must be used at the time it is obtained.

Shayne Webb, MD · Answer

I don't know of any safe method of storing fat that don't destroy the cells.  Live cells must be implanted.  A better plan would be to stage the procedure differently. First case...liposuction of all areas and BBL...Second case...Tummy tuck and breast aug..In my office, that combination is routine.  Best wishes and good luck.

Mark Crispin, MD · Answer

Unfortunately fat that is harvested at surgery cannot be stored but needs to be injected immediately to maximize the viability of the fat cells.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Yes, fat can be stored but it may not be advisable.  Although some surgeons around the country do routinely store fat, there is a reasonable question of whether the fat will be as viable compared to being transferred immediately.  Discuss this with your prospective surgeons.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta

Can you store fat from a procedure for later usage?

Answers (11)

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