Fat Transfer or Lipofilling

Introduction

Lipofilling is used to transfer unwanted fat from one area of the body to another. This technique is now a routine procedure used in a variety of clinical applications in plastic surgery. Fat transfer can improve contours and proportions, fill hollow areas, and increase breast and buttock projection as fat cells are naturally rich in stem cells and a great option for rejuvenating the skin.

How is fat grafting performed?

The surgeon removes unwanted fat deposits from other areas of the body using a cannula to perform liposuction. After the fat is decanted and processed, it is re-injected into the treatment area.

Which areas of the body benefit the most from this technique?

Fat grafting is used to reshape the buttocks, correct leg proportions (especially in the calves) and rejuvenate hands, and male and female genitalia.

What are the risks and complications with fat grafting?

Fat transfer is a straightforward, minimally invasive procedure, and complications are rare. However, in some cases, transferred fat can fail to survive, and it is reabsorbed, requiring (an) additional treatment(s) shortly after the surgery, to achieve the desired result.

When harvested fat cells are grafted to poorly-vascularised tissues, the injected fat cells can die (necrosis) and infections occur; therefore, this procedure is typically recommended for improving minor imperfections.

Are the scars noticeable?

Generally, residual scarring is barely noticeable. Tiny incisions are made in inconspicuous donor areas to insert the cannula for liposuction. There are no surgical scars at the recipient site as a micro-cannula is used to re-inject the fat cells.

What can this technique achieve?

Fat transfer typically achieves satisfying, long-lasting results, variable according to the amount of fat which survives the grafting process. Fat re-absorption is the main disadvantage in using this technique. Nevertheless, it still provides a valid solution to correct problem areas which lack alternative treatments.