Fat Transfer: Information for People Seeking Non-Surgical Cosmetic Enhancement

There is no fountain of youth, or is there? It may be that the confidence we feel when we look our best is the key to staying youthful. While many would love to turn back the clock and erase these lines, creases, and scars, they are still very apprehensive about undergoing cosmetic procedures. Fat transfer (lipografting) could be the key to allowing your skin to tell a new story, one in which you look as youthful and vibrant as you feel.

As we age, our skin loses much of its natural elasticity and suppleness. We may have laugh lines or furrows on our brows. We may also have depressions from scars or acne that have been marring our self confidence for years. During a fat transfer treatment, fat will be extracted from designated parts of your body, purified, and re-injected into problem areas to help fill in these wrinkles, furrows, scars, and depressions. Common areas from which this fat is harvested include the buttocks, abdomen, and thighs.

Discomfort and recovery after a fat transfer is foremost on many people's minds. They envision a painful treatment, or series of treatments, that will leave them with long recovery periods. Fat transfer often doesn't even require incisions as fat can be removed from selected areas with a needle and syringe. While there is typically some soreness and swelling, you can resume your normal activities the same day.

You may also wonder how this process differs from some well-known cosmetic injectables, such as Restylane® and BOTOX® Cosmetic. Both of these are commonly used to treat fine lines and wrinkles. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a protein that, when injected, immobilizes facial muscles and minimizes wrinkles. Restylane® is a clear gel made from synthetic hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in healthy skin. In contrast to BOTOX® injections, Restylane® fills in deep creases. The main difference between these injectables and fat transfer is that fat transfer uses tissue from your own body, so you do not have to have allergy tests or worry about rejection.



There are a variety of plastic surgery procedures and non-surgical treatments available to improve the appearance of your face and skin. With everything from facelift to BOTOX® Cosmetic, a talented plastic surgeon can transform the way you look and feel.