A reconstructive fat transfer method in which fat tissue obtained from the patient's own body is transferred in micro amounts to areas with tissue deficiency or contour depressions.
Indication
- Tissue depressions and volume deficits after trauma or surgery
- Subcutaneous tissue loss following burn scars or radiotherapy
- Correction of contour irregularities after breast reconstruction
- Developmental tissue deficits such as facial palsy or hemifacial atrophy
- As an adjunctive treatment for scar softening and revision
Preparation
- Evaluation of the donor (fat harvest) area
- Blood tests and imaging when needed
- Cessation of smoking 2-4 weeks before the procedure
- Adjustment of blood thinner medications with the physician's approval
- No food or drink for 6-8 hours before the procedure (depending on anesthesia)
How it's performed
- Performed under local, sedation, or general anesthesia
- Fat is harvested from a donor site such as the abdomen or hips with special cannulas
- The harvested fat is centrifuged or washed to be purified
- The prepared fat is injected into the recipient site through small entry points and in layers
- Overfilling is avoided; planning takes into account that part of the transferred fat will be reabsorbed
- Appropriate compression and dressing are applied at the end of the procedure
Post-procedure
- Edema and bruising lasting 1-2 weeks may occur in the donor and recipient areas
- Compression garment for the donor area for 2-4 weeks
- Avoid firm massage and pressure on the recipient area
- The permanence of the transferred fat becomes clear in 3-6 months
- Additional sessions may be needed in some patients for volume follow-up
Risks
- Reabsorption of part of the transferred fat and volume loss
- Infection, bleeding, hematoma
- Asymmetry or subcutaneous irregularity at the donor site
- Formation of fat cysts and calcification
- Very rarely, fat embolism
FAQ
Is fat grafting permanent?
Part of the transferred fat is reabsorbed by the body; the part that takes is permanent. Volume usually settles after 3-6 months.
Are multiple sessions necessary?
Depending on the size of the tissue defect, 2-3 sessions may be needed. At least 3-6 months are awaited between sessions.
Will scars remain at the donor site?
Very small (3-4 mm) entry marks remain; they fade over time.
Is fat grafting performed for purposes other than reconstruction?
The use described on this page is for reconstructive purposes. All medical indications are determined after physician evaluation.
Related Information
Related Medical Services
Other services in the same specialty or with similar indications you may want to explore.
Scar revision
Surgical Outpatient Services
Scar revision — surgical treatment of hypertrophic, keloid, and function-limiting scar tissue.
Appendectomy
Surgical Outpatient Services
Appendectomy (appendicitis surgery) — surgical removal of the inflamed appendix.
Cholecystectomy
Surgical Outpatient Services
Cholecystectomy — laparoscopic or open surgical removal of the gallbladder.
Inguinal Hernia Repair
Surgical Outpatient Services
Inguinal hernia repair — surgical repair of a groin hernia using mesh or tissue technique.
Umbilical Hernia Repair
Surgical Outpatient Services
Umbilical hernia repair — surgical correction of a hernia at the navel.
Incisional Hernia Repair
Surgical Outpatient Services
Incisional hernia repair — repair of an abdominal wall hernia developing at the site of a previous surgical incision.
Thyroidectomy
Surgical Outpatient Services
Thyroidectomy — neck surgery in which part or all of the thyroid gland is removed.
Mastectomy
Surgical Outpatient Services
Mastectomy — surgical removal of all breast tissue in the treatment of breast cancer.