Autologous Fat

Fat injections are among the most popular facial rejuvenation treatments because they are considered one of the safest and most natural ways to reduce the appearance of facial aging and they offer longer lasting results than most injectable dermal fillers.

During the procedure, fat cells are removed from the patient’s own body, eliminating the risk of an allergic reaction when re-injected. The fat used for this procedure may also be collected during other procedures such as Liposuction or an Abdominal Tuck. When the procedures are combined, a larger quantity of fat can be collected and stored for future injections.

Autologous fat can be used in higher volumes than other injectable materials, such as collagen and hyaluronic acid, allowing for the treatment of a wider range of conditions including facial wrinkles, creases, folds, thin lips, facial deformities, aging hands and post-surgical and post-traumatic defects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the fat removed from my body?
First, the area from where the fat will be removed is treated with a local anesthetic. Then a small cannula is used to extract the fat from the donor site -- usually the hips, thighs or buttocks. Once removed, the fat is processed to eliminate excess fluids and is injected into the treatment area.

Does the fat have to be removed for every treatment?
No. Usually enough fat will be removed during the initial treatment so that the injection process may be repeated until the desired effect is achieved. The excess fat is stored and frozen for follow-up treatments.

Is autologous fat transfer safe?
Yes. This procedure is performed with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort during the fat removal and injection process. Because the fat is taken from the patient’s own body, there is virtually no risk of allergic reaction.

Will I experience any side effects from the treatment?
The side effects from autologous fat are minimal. After treatment, some patients may experience some swelling, redness and bruising at the treatment site.

What kind of results can I expect from a fat injection?
Fat injections can dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles or depressed areas of the skin. Unlike most injectable fillers, most patients retain some of the injected fat, reducing the frequency of repeat injections.

How often will I need to repeat the treatment?
Initially, the body will absorb about 65 percent of the fat within the first few months. The remaining fat will typically stay in place for many years. To achieve optimal results, the injection process is generally repeated about every two to three months until the desired correction is achieved. Thereafter, maintenance injections may be needed every year or so.