Autologous fat grafting (also referred to as autologous fat transfer or fat injection) transfers your body’s fat from one area to another to:
- Create volume
- Enhance contours
- Smooth depressions
It produces long-lasting results and is most commonly used for lip, buttock (Brazilian butt lift), and breast augmentation, as well as facial rejuvenation. It can also be used to fill out depressed scars on any part of your body.
Autologous Fat Grafting v. Liposuction
We’re often asked if fat grafting is the same as liposuction. The two procedures do focus on fat, but they offer different results.
- Liposuction removes fat from unwanted areas like the waist, hips, and thighs.
- Autologous fat grafting takes fat from one area of your body and places it where you want more fullness and shape, such as the breasts, buttocks, or face.
Some people choose to combine the two procedures, such as a facelift with fat grafting or liposuction with fat transfer to the buttocks or breasts.
Is Autologous Fat Grafting Safe?
Fat grafting is seen as a major breakthrough in reconstructive plastic surgery, with research involving over 50 studies showing it to be safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon.
During the procedure, fat is harvested from anywhere in your body, including the abdomen and flanks. The fat cells are then processed and transferred back into the body area you want to enhance. Approximately 60 to 70% of the transplanted fat cells typically survive and become permanent live cells in their new location.
Typical areas of fat augmentation include:
Breast Augmentation
Natural breast augmentation with fat transfer can enhance your breasts’ size, shape, and contour while eliminating the need for artificial breast implants. Women who choose augmentation say they love how the results are softer, subtler, and more natural-looking. The procedure is also a popular choice for breast reconstruction after surgery.
Buttocks
People who want to increase the size of their buttocks to achieve a more pleasing shape can choose fat grafting over implants. During the procedure, liposuction is used to remove excess fat from the thighs, hips, and lower back which is then strategically injected in small volume into the buttocks.
Face
Fat grafting is an effective way to transfer fat to facial areas that could benefit from volume and structural support. The procedure uses your own fat cells to restore fullness and support, improving the signs of aging. The most commonly treated areas are the undereye and cheeks, but some people use the procedure to treat other areas, such as the chin and eye creases.
Are You a Good Candidate for Autologous Fat Grafting?
Breast, buttock, and face augmentation are some of the most popular and frequently requested body-enhancing procedures. To learn more about whether autologous fat grafting is right for you, schedule an appointment to speak with one of the doctors at Napa Solano Plastic Surgery. We’ll answer any questions you might have and help determine if you’re a good candidate.