FAT GRAFTING (FAT INJECTION) (FAT TRANSFER)

INTRODUCTION

  • The ageing process is characterised by :
    • Loss of elastic components of the skin e.g. collagen and elastin fibres
    • Loss of volume due to loss of fat and dermis thickness.
    • This result in a saggy and sunken appearance, which is more indicative of ageing than wrinkles alone.
  • Anti-ageing treatment aim to :
    • Improve skin elasticity e.g. Laser resurfacing, Profractional laser, infra-red therapy (Sciton SkinTyte) radiofrequency and high powered focused ultrasound.
    • Restore lost volume e.g. hyaluronic acid filler injection and fat grafting or injection.
  • Terminology :
    • Fat injection, fat grafting and fat transfer are essentially synonymous.

Fat Grafting Vs Filler Injection

Fat Grafting or InjectionFiller Injection
1Material injectedPatient’s own fatHyaluronic acid – pre-manufactured
2ProcessFat is harvested from the patient and separated into 3 layers by spinning in a centrifugeNo processing needed
3Injection TechniqueInjections are done in small aliquots (parcels) neatly in a row or rows to allow maximal surface area for absorption of blood and oxygen. The injected fat is not massaged to prevent damaging the fat.Usually from a single injection point. Filler is injected in a “blob” and distributed more evenly by massaging the skin surface after the injection.
4Volume of injectionUsually larger volume for subtle improvement of various facial features and volume restorationUsually small volume replacement
5Post-op appearanceBruising and swelling significantly reduced after 1-2 weeks.Bruising and swelling for up to a week
6Duration of resultAbout 60-70% of the injected fat cells would eventually survive and stay permanently. The final result is seen in 2-3 months.Most hyaluronic acid filler is gradually absorbed by the body in about 6 months.
7Cost effectivenessMore cost effective when large volume is needed e.g. 5-6 ml onwards.Not cost effective for large volume replacement.

 

  • Sites of fat grafting include :
    • Face
    • Breast
    • Scar
    • Wounds with delayed healing
      • Studies have shown improved wound healing after fat injection to non-healing wounds due to the small amount of adipose (fat) derived stem cells present.

 

Fat Grafting to Face :

  • For anti-ageing purpose : Temporal area, upper and lower eyelid, nasolabial fold and Marionette line
  • For contour deficiency and to improve the 3-dimensional profile of the face: e.g. forehead and chin
  • Scarring :
    • There are usually a few needle puncture marks which heal without scarring.

 

Fat Grafting to Breast :

  • Purpose :
    • Alternative to breast augmentation using breast implant :
    • Improve shape of sagging breast
    • Restore contour irregularity after previous breast surgery.
  • Important technical points :
    • It is absolutely important to inject the fats only into the subcutaneous layer (skin layer) of the breast and NOT into the actual breast parenchyma (the breast tissue that is capable of milk production).
    • It is also possible to inject the fats just above the pectoralis major muscle (chest muscle). However this is difficult to achieve accurately and may risk puncture into the lungs.
  • Mammography after fat grafting to breast :
    • Not all the fat injected will survive. Most non-surviving fats cells are completely absorbed by the body. Some of these may leave behind minute amount of calcium deposits. This pattern of calcium deposition is called “macro-calcification”. This is different from the “micro-calcification” pattern shown on mammogram characteristic of breast cancer.
    • In the past radiologist have difficulty differentiating between the two patterns of calcification. Nowadays, most of them are able to tell them apart.
  • Volume retention :
    • The potential volume transferrable depends on how much fat reserve a patient has for harvesting. Therefore it is not possible to transform from “A” to “C” cup if patient has hardly any fat reserve.
    • In general it is possible to increase half to one cup size in each fat grafting session.
  • Scarring :
    • There are usually one to two (less than 5 mm) puncture marks which heal without noticeable scarring.

 

Fat Grafting to Scar :

  • Purpose :
    • Fill up volume deficit for sunken (atrophic) scar
    • Improve the skin texture of scar

 

 

SUITABLE CANDIDATES

  • Most people have sufficient fat reserves for grafting procedure.

 

DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE

 

PROCESS OF FAT GRAFTING (COLEMAN TECHNIQUE)

  • Modern day fat grafting procedures are largely modelled after the technique of structural fat grafting pioneered by Dr Sydney Coleman.
Fat harvest - Fat grafting - best for rejuventation - natural fillerFat harvesting from via a small puncture

 

  • Fat Harvesting :
    • The donor sites are usually the abdomen, thighs or buttocks.
    • Fat is harvested using a 10 ml syringe via a small cut (less than 5 mm). This process is manual and it is very important to be gentle to minimise damage to the fat cells.
    • The fat obtained from an actual liposuction procedure is not of the best quality. This is because the liposuction process uses a vibrating mechanical device which induces mechanical trauma to the fat cells.

 

Centrifugation to separate fats harvested Centrifugation to separate fats harvested into three layers
Purifying fat by removal of unnecessary component before grafting Purifying fat by removal of unnecessary component before grafting

 

  • Fat Processing :
    • The harvested fat is then centrifuged to separate it into 3 layers : (1) top layer of oil from broken fat cells, (2) middle layer of usable fat cells, and (3) bottom layer of blood and water.
    • The top and bottom layers are discarded. The middle layer is used for injection.
    • The middle layer of fat cells is transferred carefully into 1 ml syringes for injection.
    • There are other systems available for fat processing. However, some may risk contamination of the fat.
Fat injection in small parcels in layers to ensure maximal survival Fat injection in small parcels in layers to ensure maximal survival
  • Fat Injections :
    • The fat is injected in small parcels (aliquots) in multiple layers to ensure even distribution and to allow maximal surface area for the fats cells to absorb blood and oxygen from the surrounding tissue to improve survival.
    • It is best to use 1 ml syringes which allows accurate control of this injection process.
    • Therefore to inject 100 ml would require the use of many of these syringes.

 

FAT SURVIVAL AFTER FAT GRAFTING

  • Using good techniques, at least 60-70% of the injected fat cells would survive. These would yield permanent results.
  • The following are best practices to improve fat survival :
    • Careful aspiration of fat by hand using low suction power.
    • Centrifugation to separate the fat cells from the unwanted fluid
    • Careful injection in small parcels in multiple layers to ensure maximal fat cell survival.
    • Avoid over injection which would increase tissue pressure and reduce blood flow and hence fat cell survival.

 

 

ASSOCIATED PROCEDURES

Fat grafting can be done in association with the following procedures :

  • Facelift
  • Upper eyelid surgery
  • Eyebag removal
  • Breast Augmentation
  • Scar revision
  • A patient undergoing liposuction of the abdomen and thighs may transfer the unwanted fat to the breasts
  • A Mummy makeover which consists of a tummy tuck and breast augmentation. Fat transfer to the breast can be considered instead of breast implant.
  • Fat transfer to face and breast concurrently.

 

ANAESTHESIA

  • It can be done under local anaesthesia, a combination of local anaesthesia and sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on volume to be transferred.

 

POST OPERATIVE CARE

  • Day surgery procedure ; home on the same day.
  • Mild discomfort and ache over fat donor site – relieved by painkiller.
  • Swelling and bruising usually resolved by two weeks of recouperation.
  • Avoid exertion and when resting, raised the affected body part upright to 30 degrees for optimal recovery.
  • Avoid pressure over fat grafted area to ensure optimal survival.

 

RISK AND COMPLICATION

  • Bruising and swelling are within expectation and are usually resolved within two weeks.
  • Uneven fat absorption, and asymmetry
  • Macrocalcification e.g. in the breast

 

FINANCIAL COUNSELLING

  • Fat grafting is usually done for cosmetic reasons and therefore not insurance claimable.
  • The exception would be when this is done as part of a reconstructive surgery to restore contour irregularity.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Why do I hear more about filler injection than Fat grafting or injection ?

The majority of patient requests are for small volume injections. This is achieved by hyaluronic acid filler which can be administered by plastic surgeons, dermatologists and aesthetic physicians.

A minority of patients are aware of the potential of using fat grafting for rejuvenation and improvement of the contour of their whole face. A limited number of plastic surgeons perfrom fat grafting compared to doctors administering fillers.

 

When should I choose filler injection ?

Filler is suitable when you need only a small volume replacement e.g. nasolabial fold (which typically require 1-2 ml of filler). It is a quick and convenient treatment.

 

When should I consider fat grafting ?

Fat grafting is more cost effective when larger volume replacement is needed e.g. more the 5-6 ml of volume replacement or full face volume replacement. The result is permanent.

 

Who are the candidates who choose breast augmentation using fat grafting rather than breast implant ?

The candidates who opt for fat grafting to breast would insist on the most natural result, without risk of implant capsular contracture and implant rupture. They are willing to undergo multiple fat grafting sessions to achieve the desired volume.

 

Why do some people complain of complete fat loss after fat grafting ?

There is almost always some fat retention after fat grafting. However poor fat survival rate can occur if the best practices for fat grafting, as discussed above, is not followed. Also, there is substantial amount of swelling after fat grafting. When this swelling resolve over weeks to months gradually, some patients have the false impression that all the volume has been lost.

 

After the consultation, Dr Ng would customise for you the best strategy for rejuvenation and volume filling. This could include fat grafting (transfer), face lift procedures and laser resurfacing and skin tightening. A combination of procedures to achieve harmonious result is commonly recommended by top plastic surgeons in Singapore or around the world.