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FAT TRANSFER
(MICRO-LIPO-INJECTION)
Many types of filling substances have been used in cosmetic surgery to
improve the appearance of deep wrinkles and folds and to give fuller lips
or more prominent cheekbones and chins. Some of these are derived from
bovine products (cows) others from human cadavers. The use of fat transplantation
through micro-lipo-injection has added an extremely safe and versatile
option. Dr. Massey has perfected his own technique of using the patients
own fat as a filling agent.
What is Fat
Transfer ?
Fat transfer involves two steps. First a small amount of fat is harvested
from the patient using a mini-liposuction technique. Common donor areas
include the buttocks, thighs or abdomen. Then the fat is injected into
the desired area such as under a deep fold within the face or into the
lips. The whole process is done under local anesthesia, and takes about
30 minutes. The results are instantaneous although 24 hours should be
allowed for any swelling to recede.
What are
the advantages of fat transfer over collagen or other filling agents ?
The use of the patients own fat has several advantages:
-Virtually no risk of reaction to or rejection of the filling substance.
-A practically inexhaustible supply of large volumes of filling substance.
-An extremely versatile filling agent that can be used to fill deep folds
or for more delicate areas such as the lips.
-A long lasting filling agent that will usually last over six months and
will generally leave some permanent improvement that will build up every
time it is used.
Who
is a good candidate for fat transfer ?
Patients with deep facial groves that make them look older or patients
wishing to have fuller, sexier lips are the best candidates for fat transfer.
The most common area that fat transfer is used is to correct deep nasolabial
folds. This is the deep groove that runs from the side of the nose to
the corner of the mouth.