AUTOLOGOUS FAT GRAFTING (FAT TRANSFER)

Autologous fat grafting (fat transfer) is a surgical procedure in which an individual’s own fat is removed by liposuction from a site with relative excess, then processed and purified, and subsequently injected at sites with deficient volume. Many patients undergoing liposuction for body contouring could also benefit from utilizing this ideal natural material from their own body, to augment or restore structures or features that have been affected by aging and/or weight loss.

Fat grafting can be employed for facial rejuvenation as an alternative to surgical implants or temporary filler materials, for augmentation and restoration of features. It can be performed as the primary procedure or as a complement to other facial and body rejuvenation procedures. Common uses include augmentation of the cheeks, chin and temporal regions of the forehead, and filling of nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Fat grafting may also be used for larger volume augmentation of the buttocks or breasts, and to correct minor soft tissue contour abnormalities of the trunk or extremities that may have resulted from previous surgery, injury or developmental abnormality.

Autologous fat grafting, when performed alone, is usually done under local anesthesia or with light sedation.  Dr. Polo routinely performs autologous fat grafting with his liposuction and facial rejuvenation procedures. These procedures can also be safely combined with hair restoration procedures, adding minimal additional surgery and recovery time.