Storing fat from lipo for future fat transfer, is that normal practice?

Fat cannot be stored in the freezer for later use. While the idea is tempting, it is important to consider the effects of freezing on tissue. This is no more obvious than when one considers the rise of CoolSculpt and cryolipolysis. This fat reduction technology is anchored in the knowledge that fat will not survive exposure to extremes of temperature (think frostbite). Thus stored frozen fat will no longer be viability.The best time to graft the fat is at the time of harvest.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately the fat cannot be stored to be used in a different occasion for safety reasons. If you're having liposuction done you should use the fat grafted for the BBL. Best is to discuss specifically with your surgeon so that he /she knows about your expectations. You definitely have to choose your surgeon correctly and make sure that he/she has the training and experience to meet your goals with absolute safety.  Best is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this procedure.

I use the fat for transfer at the time of the harvest to ensure optimal fat viability.  I do not store the fat because of associated safety concerns, not only with the viability, but also with the sterility of storing fat for prolonged periods. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

The great majority of plastic surgeons will not store peoples sent in the freezer for future use.
Just like tissue that has had frostbite dies so does the fat cells that are put in the freezer.
The cell membranes rupture in the cells are no longer viable for fat transfer.
Technically any doctor or stores Schuman tissues for in plantation in the future should have all the accreditations of a tissue bank.
This involves a substantial amount of rules and regulations as it should.
I would say freezing fat to reuse later is not the standard of care and not something I would recommend.
Injecting nonviable tissue in my opinion has only detrimental consequences.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom M.D.

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. At this time, we do not store liposuctioned fat for later use. It is possible, however, to have your breasts and buttocks grafted during the same surgery. It is also possible to liposuction separate areas during two separate procedures, if you would prefer to separate the breast from buttock fat grafting. Of course, you will need an in-person consultation to evaluate you for this procedure. Preoperative visualization and surgical simulation with the Crisalix system may help with your decision. Any treatment plan should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon.    Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation in person with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon.  Good luck!

Best,
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS 

Harvard educated plastic surgeon