The search for the ideal filler replacement goes on and injecting one’s own fat can provide the best result. There has been a paradigm shift in the approach to facial aging. This consists of a trend away from subtractive (cutting out-excisional) facial surgery techniques and a newer focus on restorative replacement procedures. As the face matures over time, facial fat loss, and volume depletion contribute to an aged and sunken facial appearance.
To restore the loss of facial volume and contour, esthetic surgeons have been searching for the ideal filler to rejuvenate and correct wrinkles, scars, depressions and creases. Fillers have been used since the 1700’s when the French used paraffin (wax) injected under the skin to fill the deflated areas. To date, no filler has been deemed perfect; all soft tissue fillers currently on the market have disadvantages.
Fat transfer, taking fat from an area of the patient’s body where it is plentiful, and transferring it-transplanting it to an area of volume loss, can be a good way to replace youthful appearance. For more than a century, free autologous fat transfer (referred to as fat grafting, liposculpture, micro lip injection, and fat injection [also known as numerous trade names]) have been performed to correct facial defects. Previous techniques of harvesting and injection lead to lumping and poor viability. With newer techniques, utilizing micro fat grafting, more fat lives and lumpiness diminishes although it is a possibility.
Benefits of Fat & Stem Cell Harvest & Transplantion
Benefits may include:
- Minimal pain or discomfort
- Short recovery time
- Minimal risk
- Ability to treat all skin types
- Long lasting results
- Cost effectiveness (especially in combination with other procedures)
- Elimination of risk of allergies or rejections
The main disadvantages of the fat transfer in the past have been the unpredictability of the volume of transferred fat that the patient’s body will reabsorb and the length of time the fat will remain in place.
