Autologous fat transplantation is a two-step process. It involves extracting fat cells from the patient's abdomen, buttocks, thighs or knees and reinjecting the fat beneath the skin in areas where cosmetic correction is needed.
First the donor site is cleansed and then anesthetized with an injection of lidocaine. The doctor then will make a small incision, from which fat is withdrawn using a micro-cannula,(the same instrument used in liposuction). Unlike liposuction, however, the fat is not withdrawn with an aspirator machine, but rather via a syringe under significantly lower pressure.
Before the fat can be reinjected, it must be treated so that blood, lidocaine or any other material is removed. Doctors can use several techniques to complete this separation process. Some use a centrifuge, which rapidly spins the liquid down. Other physicians "decant" the material which simply means that they allow the material to settle in a test tube so that the fluid separates from the fat. A saline solution can also be used to purify the fat cells. There is actually no standardized method for purifying fat cells. You may wish to discuss which technique will be used with your plastic surgeon prior to the procedure.
Once treated, the fat cells are then injected with a small syringe after the area has been anesthetized or numbed with lidocaine. Doctors often describe the injection process as "weaving" or "layering" to achieve the desired cosmetic effect, especially when treating larger areas. Unlike collagen which is injected into the dermis (the skin's superficial layer), fat is injected subcutaneously (under the skin). This allows doctors to plump up the area more aggressively while maintaining a natural appearance. No bandages or other wrapping is required afterwards. The entire procedure usually takes one hour.
Cosmetic physicians can also treat the hands with fat transplantation. Veins on the hand bulge and tendons become more visible as we age. In addition, the wrists sometimes have a bony protrusion that becomes more apparent. Treating the hands is very similar to treating the face. After the procedure, several layers of paper tape are placed on the hand. Patients should keep their hands elevated and avoid sleeping or pressing on the back of their hands.
Fat injections last about three months. With repeated injections, however, the results will begin to last longer. This is because some of the fat begins to become incorporated into the surrounding tissue, establishing its own blood supply.
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