Fat Transfers the Next Generation

There is a lot of interest in the use of one’s own fat cells to serve as a fat transfer to other body areas. Fat is a natural tissue filler versus synthetic fillers such as Restylane, Perlane, Juve’derm or Voluma XC. Fat has specific advantages and some disadvantages over these fillers.

Fat grafting has been used for over 100 years by plastic surgeons to fill in tissue defects in the face and body. This procedure is often performed by Dr. Mark Jewell at the time of a MACS Facelift to add volume to hollowed-out areas of the face that are located under the cheeks. Fat can be used for lips and smile-lines smoothing, but tends to have more bruising/swelling than synthetic fillers.

Fat transfer is also used in body contouring areas such as Brazilian Butt Lift to enhance gluteal contour by re-injecting fat following liposuction. Dr. Jewell uses the VASER ultrasonic liposuction device for harvesting fat for grafting purposes. Some patients with skin contour irregularities that are caused by too much Smart Lipo or conventional liposuction can find improvement with fat grafts.

The other interesting area for fat transfer is in the female breast. Breast augmentation with fat alone is a hot topic. While patients find that some volume enhancement is possible, this may not be enough for their needs. Dr. Jewell offers what is known as composite breast augmentation, where a form-stable, anatomically-shaped implant, such as the Allergan Natrelle 410 is placed and fat grafts are used to add contouring around the edges. This blends the transition between implant and the chest region. Fat grafts are also used to enhance contour in congenital breast deformities such as Poland’s syndrome. Breast cancer patients who have been treated with lumpectomy and radiation often have contour defects that can be helped with fat grafts. Anecdotal reports of skin quality improvement, in areas treated with radiation, have been noted.

Dr. Mark Jewell has years of experience with liposuction, the VASER ultrasonic liposuction system, and the use of fat grafts in all body areas.