Fat Transplantation and Autologous Collagen: A Decade of Experience

Abstract

Introduction:

Soft tissue has been augmented with adipose fat for many years. The more traditional approach has involved the placement of adipose tissue into the subcutis to correct cosmetic defects and to rejuvenate the face by increasing the tissue volume in atrophied areas. More recently, constituents of this tissue have been used as a dermal filler substance termed autologous collagen. The purpose of this study is to describe the author's experience, over the past decade, with adipose tissue as a filler substance.

Materials and Methods:

The technique described involves extracting fat from a donor site and discarding the tumescent fluid leaving “pure fat,” which is transferred into 3-mL syringes. If a dermal filler is needed, sterile distilled water is added to the harvested adipose tissue and this is then processed into autologous collagen. This material is then injected with a 25-gauge needle into the dermis for superficial augmentation.

Results:

Utilizing this approach, superficial and deep defects can be successfully corrected with adipose tissue.