What is Autologous Fat Transfer?

Autologous fat transfer, also called fat grafting or transplantation, involves harvesting fat from one area of the body via liposuction, purifying it to remove excess fluids and damaged cells, and then injecting it into another area.

How is Autologous Fat Transfer intended to be used?

Autologous fat transfer is intended to be used for volume enhancement and contouring in various areas of the body, primarily for cosmetic purposes.

How does Autologous Fat Transfer work?

This process utilizes the patient’s own fat cells, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and providing a natural-looking outcome. First, fat is harvested from a donor site, such as the abdomen or thighs, using a small cannula to suction out fat cells. Next, the harvested fat is emulsified, or broken down, to remove excess fluids, blood, and damaged cells, purifying it for injection. Once purified, the fat is carefully injected into the desired area using small syringes or cannulas, where it integrates with the surrounding tissues. Over time, some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body, but a portion usually establishes a blood supply and remains in the new location permanently.

What are the typical treatment areas?

Autologous fat transfer can be applied to various areas of the body for cosmetic enhancement and contouring. Common treatment areas include:

• Facial rejuvenation to restore volume loss
• Breast augmentation
• Hand rejuvenation
• Penile enlargement

How is Autologous Fat Transfer different from other skin revitalization devices?

While both approaches aim to enhance aesthetic appearance, autologous fat transfer provides longer-lasting results as the transferred fat integrates with surrounding tissues, whereas skin revitalization devices often require multiple treatments for maintenance.

How many treatments will I need?

In many cases, a single session is sufficient to achieve the desired volume enhancement or contouring. However, some patients may opt for additional sessions to further refine the results or address additional areas.

How long is the typical treatment?

One session can range anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on the area being treated.

Is the recovery time long?

The recovery time can vary from person to person and depends on factors such as the areas treated, the amount of fat transferred, and individual healing abilities. In general, most patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated areas immediately following the procedure. This can persist for a few days to a couple of weeks, but typically subsides gradually over time. Patients are usually advised to take it easy for the first few days after the procedure and to avoid strenuous activities for several weeks to allow for proper healing. It’s common for final results to be fully apparent within a few months as any initial swelling resolves and the transferred fat settles into place.

Is Autologous Fat Transfer considered surgery?

Yes, autologous fat transfer is considered a surgical procedure, however it is less invasive than some other surgical procedures. The patient will be given local anesthetics, as well as a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen gas (similar to laughing gas) to help ease any discomfort.

What are the potential side effects?

Potential side effects of autologous fat transfer include swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated areas, which typically resolve within a few days to weeks. In some cases, there may be unevenness or asymmetry in the treated areas, though this can often be addressed with additional procedures or touch-ups. Rare but more serious complications may include infection, excessive bleeding, or fat necrosis (death of fat cells), which could result in lumps or hard areas in the treated area. It’s important for patients to follow post-operative instructions to attend follow-up appointments for proper monitoring and management of any side effects.

Is the treatment painful?

During the procedure, a tumescent fluid will be injected to minimize discomfort. While discomfort and mild soreness are common after the procedure, the level of pain varies among individuals. Generally, patients may experience some discomfort during the initial recovery period, which can be managed with tylenol and homeopathic medications.