What is Fat Harvesting and How is It Done?

Fat can be harvested by extracting it from a "trap" that is hooked up to the tubing connected to the cannula. The fat can be removed from this sterile trap and used. The liposuction technique used to extract the fat from the body, before it goes in the trap, must not be a destructive energy. Ultrasonic and smart lipo (laser-assisted) liposuction should not be done, but tumescent liposuction can be used, and there is discussion that the water jet liposuction recently available can also provide alive fat cells.  It is very common to harvest fat by syringe technique, immediately prior to the liposuction, but this could be tedious if large volumes of fat were needed.

Hi Neurotica in GA,

Fat transfer is a good option to rejuvenate the face without traditional facial plastic surgery. Fat is taken from the abdomen or similar areas with liposuction, and injected into wrinkled areas such as the cheeks, lower eyelid area, jaw line, or temples. Fat to be used for injection is harvested via liposuction, but a little differently as compared to traditional liposuction for body contouring. 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 is always better than frozen.

Fat grafts are both art and science, as with all of plastic surgery. Fat transfer has a certain level of unpredictability as always less than 100% of the fat survives long-term, so touch-ups may be required for some patients. Plastic surgeons typically may perform cosmetic touch-up at one year as needed. Unfortunately, there is not a single best method to guarantee 100% of anything.

Only after a a comprehensive evaluation can a plastic surgeon help determine appropriate options for you. Your plastic surgeon can explain his/her specific method of fat transfer. Best of luck.

Dr. Chaboki