Fat Injection techniques
This is a method of increasing fullness or volume by injecting the patients own fat. It is usually used in the breast or face for both cosmetic and reconstructive problems. The fat is removed by liposuction from the thigh or abdomen, specially prepared and re-injected into the area using small needles.
In the breast it has started to be used for breast augmentation and breast asymmetry (differing breast sizes). It is well established in treating defects or depressions following breast cancer removal. Within the face it can be used to help fill an ageing face or to plump lips or cheeks.
The great advantage of the technique is the ability to permanently enhance these areas with the patients own fat. The disadvantage is the unpredictable survival of the fat. Usually about 50% of the injected fat survives and the treatment may need repeating. There are virtually no scars and depending upon the area to be treated it is performed as a day-case under local or general anaesthetic.
