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Lipofilling / Autologous Fat Transplantation
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For patients who desire a more permanent, natural appearing result, autologous fat transfer is a superb treatment option. Autologous fat transfer, also medically known as Liposculpture, Lipofilling, Microlipoinjection, Fat Transplantation, involves extracting surplus fat cells from one part of the body (abdomen, thighs, buttocks or elsewhere) and implanting this fat where needed. Fat is most often used to fill in "sunken" cheeks or laugh lines between the nose and mouth, correct skin depressions or indentations, minimize forehead wrinkles, enhance and enlarge the lips, rejuvenate the aging hands, increase the buttocks size, and correct irregularities after liposuction.
Advantages / Benefits of fat transfer
Fat is the most perfect of fillers. It is autologous (your own), pliable, easily extracted, and unlike synthetic fillers (such as Restylane, Radiesse, Juvederm, Sculptra, … ) has the ability to age and change with patient.
Lipofilling is the most natural way of dealing with the contour problems of the face and especially in areas where large volumes are required such as the buttocks. |
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No risk of allergenic reaction, “natural” product is used |
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No rejection, it is your own tissue |
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No risk of inflammatory reaction |
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Filling allows the correction of large volumes which is difficult and very expensive with the synthetic injectable implants. |
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Results obtained are long lasting and sometimes are permanent |
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Not very expensive |
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How long does it last?
The longevity and retention rate of transplanted fat depends on multiple factors, and will be thus variable according to subjects, the zones injected, and the technique used (method of harvesting, preparation and injection of the fat). Reinjected fat lasts longer in larger areas of non movement, so it is successful for correction of sunken cheeks and buttocks because these areas do not move as often. It is expected to last 3 to 5 years and sometimes longer. Results are not permanent unless repeated injections are repeated at variable intervals. In general it lasts longer in younger subjects. |
What areas are treated by Lipofilling?
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To resculpture the face:
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Cheeks, Chin, Jaw line, hollow temples, to improve facial contouring and definition. |
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Frown laugh lines |
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Brow lines |
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Lips, increase the volume |
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Body Contouring:
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Depressed Acne and trauma scars |
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Smooth defects and irregularities after Liposuction |
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Rejuvenate the Hands |
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To fill congenital depressions. |
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What are the Contraindications to Fat Transfer? |
| Precautions should be taken in people with diabetes or HIV-positive individuals. They are more sensitive to infection. In addition one will avoid injecting through skins presenting with dermatoses or acne lesions. |
What are the Complications?
True complications are rare after Liposculpture. Mild side effects include: |
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Edema (swelling) of the area is expected to last 3 – 8 days. |
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Ecchymoses is rare if the fat is washed |
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Pain and discomfort are rare. |
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Infection |
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Reabsorption of the graft is rare but has been noticed in older patients. |
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How is the PROCEDURE done?
The procedure is done in our office under local anesthesia. |
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Harvesting the fat
Fat is extracted from a donor site that can benefit the patient cosmetically, and have the greatest lipogenic (fat storing) activity. These areas are typically the buttocks, outer thighs or abdomen.
The donor site is anesthetized with dilute local anesthetic tumescent solution. The fat is extracted with minimal trauma using 14 gauge needle and the Syringe technique as described by Dr. Pierre Fournier. The syringe allows the extraction, preparation, and reinjection of fat in a closed space, while respecting the integrity and sterility of the extraction. |
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Processing and Preparation of the fat
The harvested fat is washed with 5% glucose solution and let stand on tube holder. This process is repeated few times as necessary to obtain bloodless fat. Portion of the harvested fat is used for immediate transplantation, and the remainder is processed and stored for future use. |
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Reinjection / Fat Transplantation
The area to be treated is anesthetized with small amount of local anesthetic. Fat in injected using the same needle used for harvesting the fat or a blunt tip cannula of the same size. Fat is injected at different levels in a fan shaped fashion. |
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Remodling of the injected region
After injection, the treated area is remodeled carefully using the thumb and index finger. |
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What to expect following the treatment?
You can resume normal activities immediately. Post-operative care is minimal after this procedure and recovery is quick. Results can be seen within 24 to 48 hours after the swelling subsides and the newly transplanted tissue settles in place. Bruising is uncommon, and is usually covered easily with makeup. If additional wrinkle correction is desired by the patient, a small touch-up procedure can be performed 2 to 4 months after the initial procedure.
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How many treatments are needed? |
| In many cases, only one session of lipofilling may be sufficient to obtain the desired final result. However, you may require repeat injections especially in those cases where large amounts of fat is necessary for correction. |
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For more information and to find out if Tumescent Liposuction is right for you,
call the Vein & Laser Center at 201-795-9007 to arrange for a private consultation.
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