Fat storage
Fat storage
Many surgeons and patients are eager to store excess fat for future transfer, as the
quantity of fat that is removed after a single liposuction session is often far in excess of what would be typically transferred on 1 day, especially when the patient is only interested in facial augmentation. Despite the temptation to utilize frozen fat, some evidence has suggested that fat that is simply frozen and stored at –20°C may result in no viable cultures after a single freeze–thaw cycle unless cryoprotectants are used. Therefore, this approach should probably not be used on a routine basis (Figs. 61-81 to 61-86).
CONCLUSIONS
Fat represents an outstanding filler, and large amounts of fat for transfer are often available, particularly if the surgeon routinely performs liposuction. With proper technique, 70% to 80% viability of grafted fat cells is possible. The final results after fat grafting may be unpredictable, though the beneficial final results that are obtained are generally long lasting, and this approach represents a technical and artistic procedure that continues to evolve.
Figure 61-81. Fat grafting to the face—4 days after submental liposuction and a small transfer of 4 cc of fat to patient’s lower perioral area and melolabial folds. The patient wanted a short recovery and requested that only a small amount of fat be transferred.
Figure 61-82. Fat grafting to the face—Frontal views of the same patient shown in Figure 61-81.
Figure 61-83. Fat grafting to the face—Right profile views of the same patient shown in Figure 61-81.
Figure 61-84. Fat grafting to the face—Left profile views of the same patient shown in Figure 61-81.
Figure 61-85. Fat grafting to the face—A small fat transfer was performed to the lips of this 73-year-old woman per patient request because she wanted only slightly bigger lips. Before (left) and 3 weeks after (right) procedure.
Figure 61-86. Fat grafting to the face—Left three-quarter views of the same patient shown in Figure 61-85 before (left) and 3 weeks after (right) procedure.