Can You Still Do Fat Grafting if You Are Skinny?

Question

Hi, I just recently was told fat grafting would be a great idea for chin augmentation since I do not have that bad of a chin and since fillers have worked for me in the past. However I am 5'6 and way about 110 pounds. Can I still use fat grafting even though I don't have much fat on me? If so where would the fat most likely be taken from? Thank you

Ashley B. Robey, MD · Answer

You are right, rachellem. You do have to have some fat to harvest in order to have a fat transfer. While most people have more fat than they would like, patients that have a very low percent body fat may not have as many donor site options. The most common sites that fat is harvested for transfer are those sites where it tends to accumulate, namely the abdomen, flanks and thighs. That being said, fat could potentially be harvested in most places of relative excess. For those patients that are truly "too thin," you risk creating a contour irregularity at the site of fat harvest.

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

It isn't impossible to harvest fat for facial fat grafting if you are skinny but it does make it harder to find enough fat. You would probably know best where your surgeon could find fat to liposuction.

	You can read more about fat transfer at my web reference link below.

Jamil Asaria, MD · Answer

If you are very skinny (e.g. long distance runner, or swimmer), sometimes it can be hard to find any locations to harvest enough fat for transfer. Often times, there are small pockets (even around the love-handle region or inner knees) that can be harvested.

	For chin augmentation, I usually find that a small chin implant is a better solution to provide more consistent shape and definition than fat. You should definitely consider that option.

	Best wishes,

	-Dr. Jamil Asaria

	FACE Cosmetic Surgery,

	Toronto, Ontario

Roger Khouri, MD · Answer

Yes you can. Surgeons have different techniques for fat grafting. You should research their techqiues and make sure it allows for maximum fat survival.

Daniel Del Vecchio, MD · Answer

I agree with Dr Fleming.  You do not need much fat , and the best areas are the inner thighs, taking a little but from multiple areas.   I have attached a youtube video of a very thin patient (105 pounds) who had breast fat transplantation-

	 

	Best of Luck,

	 

	Dr del Vecchio

Can You Still Do Fat Grafting if You Are Skinny?

Answers (6)

Answer: Yes If....

Answer: Yes If....

Answer: YES you have enough fat

Answer: YES you have enough fat

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Can You Still Do Fat Grafting if You Are Skinny?

Answers (6)

Answer: Yes If....

Answer: Yes If....

Answer: YES you have enough fat

Answer: YES you have enough fat

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.