A fat injection procedure, also known as fat transfer or fat grafting, is a surgical technique that involves the transfer of fat from one area of the body to another to enhance volume, contour, or rejuvenate a specific area.
The process begins with the collection of fat from a donor site on the patient’s body. Common donor sites include the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. The fat is typically obtained through liposuction, where a small incision is made, and a cannula is used to remove excess fat cells.
Once the fat is harvested, it is processed to separate the fat cells from other fluids and impurities. This may involve washing, filtering, and centrifugation to obtain purified fat cells.
The purified fat cells are then carefully injected into the targeted area requiring volume enhancement or contouring. Common areas for fat injection include the face (such as cheeks or lips), breasts, buttocks, and hands.
After injection, the surgeon will sculpt and distribute the fat cells to achieve the desired shape and contour. This may involve layering the fat in multiple passes and adjusting the amount of fat injected to ensure evenness and natural-looking results.
Fat injections can be used to add volume to areas that lack fullness or have experienced volume loss due to aging or other factors. Common areas for volume enhancement include the face (cheeks, lips), breasts (breast augmentation or reconstruction), and buttocks (Brazilian butt lift).
Fat injections use the patient’s own fat cells, making it a natural and biocompatible option. Since it uses living fat cells, it can provide long-lasting results compared to temporary fillers. While some of the injected fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time, a portion typically establishes a blood supply and becomes a permanent part of the treated area.
Fat injections can be used to contour and shape certain areas of the body. For example, fat grafting to the face can restore youthful contours and address facial asymmetry. In body sculpting procedures, fat injections can help create smoother transitions between different body regions and improve overall body proportions.
In fat injection procedures, liposuction is performed to harvest fat from donor sites. This offers the additional benefit of body contouring and slimming in areas with excess fat. The patient can enjoy the dual advantage of fat removal from one area and enhancement of another.
