Fat transfer of viable fat cells from one area of the body to another results in a permanent change in the recipient site. If fat is transferred to facial areas such as the cheeks, lips and chin long term volumetric changes can be attained.

The trouble with fat grafting is that it is very technique dependent. The fat must be harvested in such a way as to preserve the integrity of the fat cells. Ordinary liposuction, laser liposuction and ultrasonic liposuction that disrupts the cell membrane of the fat cell will not produce living fat cells. Concentration of the fat and washing the fat will also affect the results. The injection technique is very important. Surgeons with a great deal of experience with fat transfer will tell you that the results are permanent. I think that the reports that the “fat didn’t take” are the result of procedures in which the technique was poor and the fat grafts were not viable. Of course as you age there will be loss of volume in your face and the fat grafting procedure may have to be repeated.

Fat grafts take better in more highly vascularized area such as the face and do not do as well in highly mobile areas such as the lips. I have had great results with fat grafting of the buttocks and breasts using the harvesting module of the Body Jet machine. The Body Jet harvests the fat very gently and results in 85% viability of the cells. The water pressure and well as the suction level can be adjusted to get the best results. The fat is washed, filtered and the water is extracted all at once.