Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer or fat injections, is a surgical procedure in which fat is removed from one part of the body and transferred to another. The primary aim of this technique is to enhance or restore volume in the target area. This process involves harvesting adipose fat through liposuction, refining the fat, and reinjecting the purified fat into the desired site.
Since the 1990s, plastic surgeons have consistently utilized fat grafting to improve the aesthetic appearance of various facial and body areas, making it a trusted method for cosmetic enhancement.
The Fat Grafting Process
Fat grafting is a multi-step procedure that includes:
- Fat Extraction: The first stage involves removing fat from a donor site using liposuction. This step is typically performed manually with thin cannulas to minimize damage to fat cells. Methods like laser or ultrasonic liposuction are avoided, as they can compromise the viability of the harvested cells.
- Fat Processing: After extraction, the fat is processed to ensure its purity. This involves techniques like decanting and centrifugation to eliminate debris, fluids, and non-viable cells. Alternatively, the fat can be washed with a sterile saline solution. Only healthy, viable fat cells are retained for reinjection, as damaged cells can hinder the graft’s success.
- Fat Reinjection: The final step involves strategically reinjecting the processed fat into the recipient site. Small droplets of fat are distributed throughout the subcutaneous tissue to optimize blood supply to each droplet, ensuring the graft’s survival.
The volume of fat injected, measured in cubic centimeters (cc), depends on the individual patient’s needs and the specific area being treated.
A Trusted Technique for Aesthetic Enhancement
Fat grafting has become a reliable approach for augmenting and rejuvenating various areas of the body, offering patients a natural and personalized solution to achieve their cosmetic goals. By combining advanced surgical techniques with careful planning, this procedure continues to be a cornerstone in modern aesthetic medicine.