Is Fat Transfer Liposuction Safer Than Liposuction?

Question

I want to know if getting a fat transfer liposuction from an area of the body (thighs, etc) to the face, is safer than just straight liposuction? If so, why? I am concerned that the fat transfer lipo-method has the same odds of complications of liposuction. (However you take out MUCH more fat with body sculpting, and go deeper, correct?)

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

fat injections can be done as a sole procedure during which fat is removed by syringe or liposuction technique but limited to the area of the donor tissue and not done enough to see a change in contour of the donor area. Risks are extremely minimal with tumescent liposuction and so the risks are not much greater than liposuction.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Although the techniques for harvesting fat for injection and for body contour are different, each is safe. Most liposuction involves greater volume so there is that to consider. I would be more worried about the outcome of the injection than the safety of harvesting fat. It is very safe. The injection, on the other hand, is unpredictable.

Jason Hess, MD · Answer

Liposuction is most dangerous when performed by practitioners practicing outside of their specialty.  The risks are low in the hands of board certified plastic surgeons.  Volumes resected should be reasonable.  High volume liposuction is certainly or higher risk than removal of modest volumes.  When considering procedures, look at the "was it worth it rating" here.  I have found these ratings to be similar to those in my own practice.

	43% is an F where I'm from.  Good luck!!

Ryan A. Stanton, MD · Answer

In general the amount of fat harvested to do fat transfer to the face is much less than for liposuction/liposculpture for body contouring purposes. Because of this, the physiologic challenge to the body is significantly less and therefore generally "safer" with all other factors being equal...

Jon F. Harrell, DO, FACS · Answer

When harvesting fat for facial contouring one is removing a relatively small amount of fat. Therefor, in comparison with larger volume liposuction there is theoretically less risk of complications. This is assuming that the operator is technically proficient of course. Complications can occur in either situation of course but due to the minimal amount of suctioning needed it would be much less likely to be associated with a severe complication. Best of luck Dr Harrell

Ernesto Hayn, MD · Answer

Deni,

	Complications regarding liposuction all depend on the amount of lipoaspirate(or amount of fat removed) that is taken during the procedure.  The amount of lipoaspirate used for fat transfer depends on what part of the body you are transfering the fat to.  If you goal facial rejuvination then the amount of lipoaspirate is much smaller and thus the complication rates are much less.  If your goal is fat transfer to the glutteal area then the possiblity of complications are higher because much higher amounts of fat are needed for transfer.  Anything that requires a lipoaspirate amount of greater 4000 cc (or mL) does carry a compliation rate that is higher than any with less than 4000 cc.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

The fat harvesting for fat grafting to the face needs small amount fat and the risk is minimal. The harvesting of the fat also should be done with much lower pressure to prevent damaging the fat.

Lisa Lynn Sowder, MD (retired) - Account Suspended · Answer

Usually the amount of fat harvested for fat transfer to the face is fairly small.  Low volume liposuction is less risky than large volume liposuction.  Of course with the fat transfer to the face, there can be complications in the face!  Any procedure has some risk.  It's always a decision based on the risk vs. the benefit.  Make sure you have frank discussion with your surgeon about your concerns. 

	Lisa Lynn Sowder, M.D.

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

It all depends on the volume of fat removed. Volume shifts, irregularites, and seromas should be less if less fat is removed for transfer, since generally less fat is needed. Donald R Nunn MD Plastic Surgeon.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

Performing fat transfer along with liposuction (to harvest the fat) does not reduce the risks of liposuction. Large volume liposuction ( greater than 4000 cc of fat volume) does carry a higher risk of complications - bleeding, seroma/ hematoma formation, and deep venous thrombosis - in comparison to standard volume liposuction (less than 4000 cc).

Is Fat Transfer Liposuction Safer Than Liposuction?

Answers (10)

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