Fat Grafting

Fat Grafts involves surgically harvesting or removing fat from one area of the body and transplanting or injecting it into the recipient site such as the face or breasts. Removal of fat is done with liposuction. The fat cells (stem cells) are placed in a centrifuge then transferred with small blunt needles called cannulas into the recipient site. Fat is a great filler as it comes from individual and there is no risk of reaction or rejection. Fat is not totally predictable and some of the grafted fat can be absorbed by the body; however most of it remains and lasts indefinitely. People who want long lasting, volumizing results need to be willing to endure downtime.  Fat is an ideal filler to restore volume lost in the mid face region. This procedure can be performed at the time of a facelift or as an independent procedure. Contour defects following a mastectomy can be filled in a similar fashion.

Is fat considered a permanent filler?

Fat has the potential to be permanent and is scientifically proven to be long-lasting especially in the mid face. It works best to restore volume and contour depressions.

Is fat better filler for my lips than synthetic fillers?

Generally synthetic fillers work best in the lips because fat grafts tend to have more bruising, swelling and lumpiness.

Can fat grafts augment my breasts?

While fat grafting to enhance breast size is an alternative to breast implants, there is little known about long term effects in the breast area. More research is needed to determine the efficacy and safety of fat grafts for breast augmentation.