By autologous fat transfer we mean the process, in which fat is removed with micro liposuction from one area of the body and after some processing, the fat is injected into an area that needs volume.
The fat has proved to be an excellent material, because it is a natural component of the body, it is not rejected and it is usually present in rich quantities. It is an excellent material for correcting aesthetic problems which are caused by some loss of the subcutaneous tissue (fat tissue under the skin).
With aging the subcutaneous tissue thins and the skin loses some if its elasticity, resulting in changes in facial contours like shrinking of the face, deep wrinkles, grooves and "hanging" of the lower face.
The fat is commonly used to augment the nasolabial folds, the chin, the cheeks, the area of the temple and under the eyes. This method can be also used in various diseases that cause volume loss, in some injuries and burns and to improve the appearance of the aging hand by covering the tendons and veins of the back surface.
Fat harvesting can be done from the plastic surgeon in local anesthesia. Diluted lidocaine (local anesthetic) and epinephrine (drug that shrinks capillaries) is injected into the subcutaneous fat to provide anesthesia. The fat is then collected with small cannulas and after some processing it can be injected to the areas to be treated.
The autologous fat is injected in small amounts, to make sure that there is enough blood supply for nutrition. Around 20-30% of the injected fat will be absorbed (20-30%) so that in most cases a second procedure is necessary. The remaining fat will behave like the natural fat of the body making the results long lasting.
