Fat Transfer (Fat Injection)
Overview of Fat Transfer
For decades, plastic surgeons have been actively looking for some kind of soft tissue filler to compensate for loss of facial fat. The importance of facial fat can best be demonstrated by looking at an adorable infant with plump cheeks or at a successful model with high cheekbones with a lot of fat.
As we age, the fat either falls downward or goes away. It is mostly noticed around the eyes and within the cheeks, where its loss creates a sunken appearance and a more apparent facial skeleton. Plastic surgeons, and their patients, wanted something that worked well to correct this fat loss and that offered lasting results. Many substances have been tried: silicone, fascia, tendon, bone, and other artificial foreign bodies. Some, such as collagen, have been successful but last only a short time. Others, like silicone implants, are permanent but are hard to the touch and have an unnatural feel. Still others, like liquid silicone, have been fraught with infection and lumpiness. None could provide the soft, squeezable characteristics of one's own tissue.
Animated Fat Transfer to Cheeks and Lower Lids
Scroll over the image to see Fat Transfer to
Cheeks and Lower Lids
Since the early 70s, plastic surgeons have been attempting the transplantation of one's own body fat to achieve a natural feel, but the results were not reliable. The adipocytes, or fat cells, were destroyed when the fat was harvested during liposuction. With newer techniques such as gentle handling, filtering, and chemical alteration, the majority of adipocytes can and do survive. These recent improvements in fat transplantation have allowed us to come very close to what could be considered the ideal.
Many pioneers in plastic surgery, such as Dr. Cruise, are now using these improved injection techniques with outstanding results. By replacing lost fat, a more youthful appearance can be obtained without making incisions. This is a very attractive idea to most people, and this is why fat transplantation has become so popular among experienced plastic surgeons.
Animated Fat Transfer to Upper Eyelid
Scroll over the image to see the effects of a fat
transfer
to upper eyelid.
Notice how the fat
replenishes
lost volume necessary for a
youthful appearance.
There is amazing work being done in the field of stem cell research. In the future, we will be able to take your own blood and grow your own collagen which will be permanent. That day is at least 20 years away and the cost will be very high.