INTRODUCTION
Unfortunately, many of us have fat in places we wish we didn't. Research demonstrates that fat tends to accumulate in the center of our body (the abdomen in men, hips and buttocks for women), as we become older. Furthermore, as we age, our hands and face lose their youthful plumpness. Consider the cherubic shape of an infant's feet, hands and cheeks in contrast to an older person.

In an effort to correct both of these unwanted problems, cosmetic surgeons have developed a technique called "autologous fat transplantation." The word "autologous" means that the material (the fat) is harvested from and donated to the same individual. This technique is also referred to as "microlipoinjection." The injected fat can be used to enhance lips, reduce wrinkles and lines and plump up the hollow appearance of cheeks and the area around the eyes. Fat transplantation works best for the naso-labial fold, the line angled between the nose and upper lip.