What is autologous fat transplantation?
Lipofilling, also known as lipotransfer, or free autologous fat tissue transfer
In autologous fat transplantation, fat tissue is harvested from one area of the body using a suction device; on the operating table, the tissue fluid is separated from the free fat cells, and this fat cell suspension is injected into the treatment area through small, specialized cannulas.
Free fat grafts are used in plastic and aesthetic surgery for many indications, such as lip contouring, injectable treatment for nasolabial folds, facial volume augmentation, to correct contour irregularities on the trunk, or, more recently, to treat chronic wounds or for injectable treatment of certain types of scars.
From a pathophysiological perspective, the injected fat cells integrate into the surrounding tissue over time. However, a portion is reabsorbed within the first year, so that repeat fat injections may be necessary.
Information on the surgical procedure
Before the procedure, the treatment area and the fat harvest site are marked. During the procedure, the fat tissue is drawn into a special syringe system through small incision channels. To separate the fat tissue from the interstitial fluid, these syringes are spun in a centrifuge. The tissue fluid is separated from the fat tissue, and the pure, free fat cell tissue is injected into the treatment area through small incisions using a special cannula. The incisions, which are only a few millimeters in size, are then closed with individual skin sutures.
After autologous fat therapy
At the end of the surgery, a compression bandage or girdle is applied to the area where the fat tissue was harvested and should be worn for 6–8 weeks. The area filled with fat tissue should not be subjected to increased pressure.
Time spent at the clinic and anesthesia
The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis. It is carried out under local anesthesia, possibly in combination with sedation; for the treatment of larger areas, brief general anesthesia may be used.