Fat Transfer (Microfat Grafting)
Fat injections to restore facial and breast defects were first reported in 1910. In recent years, studies of fat tissue have shown that fat tissue contains large amounts of stem cells which are capable of differentiating into many types of tissue, it has become apparent that fat is a repair organ providing the basis for tissue regeneration. Apart from the permanent volume increasing effect of transplanted fat, tissue regeneration occurs at the recipient site. Over several months following a fat grafting procedure, improvement in skin texture, skin suppleness, skin colour and also scar quality is noted.
An increasingly popular procedure for rejuvenating the face is fat transfer. As the youthful fullness of the face deflates and shrinks with the natural ageing process, the face appears hollow and underlying structures are emphasised. The bony prominence of the brow, orbit (eye area) and sometimes the zygoma (cheek bone) create an unwanted aged appearance. The atrophy (loss) of the fat tissue leaves the skin unsupported and lax, adding to the droopiness around the jowls and neck. The other cosmetic application of fat grafting is rejuvenating the hands and restoring volume in breasts.
The wonderful thing about fat transfer is, it is a natural filler; your own bodies biological material. Recent studies show that the lower abdomen, inner thighs and inner knees contain a higher concentration of fat cells; therefore Dr Zurek chooses these donor sites for harvesting the fat.
The Procedure
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and sedation.
Preferred donor sites are lower abdomen, inner thighs and inner knees.
Fat is meticulously harvested through a 1-2 mm skin puncture using a special cannula attached to a syringe, applying low negative pressure, which produces tiny particles of fat.
The fat is then purified and condensed by centrifuging which allows the removal of oil and fluid from the aspirated fat. The fat treated this way has been proven to contain a large number of stem cells and growth factors.
Fat is then transplanted using a 1mm diameter cannula. This special harvesting and grafting technique is unlikely to produce lumpiness as only tiny fat particles are used (0.2mm³).
Super charging of fat with isolated stem cells is controversial.
Common areas for fat transfer include:
- Hands - Fat grafting restores youthful fullness to the back of the hands.
- Nasolabial and marionette folds - adds support to facial structures.
- Lips - Fat grafting produces long lasting enhancement for the upper and lower lips.
- Cheeks and grooves under eyes - Fat grafting supports and replenishes volume in these regions, making the traditional approach of cutting and suspending this area unnecessary.
- Brow upper eyelids and temples - Fullness in these areas is essential for a healthy appearance.
- Chin and jaw line - A well contoured jaw line is an important feature of a youthful appearance.
- Neck - Deep horizontal folds in this area can be softened by fat grafting.
Articles in the media on Fat Grafting
 |
Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #54 - Fat Graft - An ideal and sustainable filler |
 |
Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #51 - Combined Facial Rejuvenation |
 |
Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #47 - Fat Grafting: from filling to tissue regeneration |
 |
Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #46 - Restoring the rounded contours of youth |
