Autologous micro fat injections are among the most up and coming facial and body rejuvination treatments because they are considered one of the safest and most natural ways to reduce the appearance of facial aging. They also offer longer lasting results than most injectable dermal fillers.
The term “autologous” basically means “derived or transferred from the same body”. This has major benefits of eliminating the risk of an allergic reaction when re-injected since the fat being injected is from the persons’s own body.
During the procedure, fat cells are removed from the patients own body and then re-injected into the face or other parts of the body. At Specialists in Plastic Surgery, when the fat cells are harvested they are immediately processed to remove all impurities like blood and body oils. This process improves the purity of the fat and makes the procedures more effective. The fat used for this procedure may also be collected during other procedures such as liposuction or an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).
Autologous fat can be used in higher volumes than other injectable fillers such as Restylane and Juviderm, 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 on the body like indentations where cysts and tumors have been removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the fat removed from my body?
First the area from where the fat will be removed from 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 impurities and excess fluids.
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 patients own body there is virtually no risk of allergic reaction.
Will I experience any side effects from this procedure?
The side effects are minimal. After treatment some patients may experience swelling, redness and bruising at the treatment sites.
What kind of results can I expect from fat injection?
Fat injection can dramatically reduce the apperance of fine lines, wrinkles and depressed areas of the skin. Unlike most injectables, 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% of the fat within the first few months. The remaining fat will typically stay in place for may 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.