WHAT IS AUTOLOGOUS FAT TRANSFER?
Autologous fat transfer is a procedure in which adipose tissue is extracted from one part of the body and is injected into another part of the body after a refining process for restoration. This both volumizes and rejuvenates the site of restoration. The most common areas of restoration are the breasts, buttocks, hands, and face. The end result of this is the removal of fine lines, wrinkles, and lipoatrophy to create a younger, healthier, and long-lasting look.
Patient underwent autologous fat transfer procedure. Before treatment (left) and immediately after treatment (right) portraits.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Adipose tissue contains both adipocytes, fat cells, and stem cells. Adipocytes add volume while the stem cells rejuvenate via its self renewal and differentiation processes. Self renewal is the process in which stem cells create more stem cells and differentiation is the process in which stem cells change into different types of cells needed in our body. During the autologous fat transfer treatment, a mini liposuction procedure extracts adipose tissue containing adipocytes and stem cells. The adipocytes and stem cells are isolated from any excess fluid that may have also been extracted. Depending on the area of restoration, the anaerobic refining process resizes the adipocytes from larger macro particles to smaller nanoparticles of varying sizes. This refined product is then injected into the site of restoration, often providing immediate results.
Empire Medical Training. 2016; pp. 20.
STEPS OF THE PROCESS:
Alma Lasers International. 2019 April.
WHAT ARE THE CELLULAR BENEFITS?
Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry. 2018 May; Vol. 47 (1): pp. 316–329.
This figure shows the process in which the stem cells rejuvenate the skin. The steps are as follows:
- Some nanofat stems undergo proliferation due to proto-oncogenes and self renews itself into multiple copies.
- Differentiation-inducing factors cause stem cells to change into other cell types depending on the specific factors and the microenvironment the stem cells are in.
- Nanofat stem cells can differentiate into endothelial cells and release cytokines that improve angiogenesis, increasing blood flow to the selected area.
- Fibroblasts, cells that play a structural role in tissue, proliferate due to fibroblast growth factors. The cytokines released by the nanofat stem cells include these growth factors, enhancing fibroblast proliferation.
- Collagen is connective tissue made composed primarily of fibroblasts. As fibroblasts proliferate, collagen formation can occur.
- With greater blood flow from angiogenesis and the creation of connective tissue via collagen, the affected site becomes more firm and gets a healthier glow.
IS AUTOLOGOUS FAT TRANSFER FOR ME?
Patients who have visible depressions in the skin benefit the most from autologous fat transfer. These depressions can be fine lines, wrinkles, or lipoatrophy.
Dermatologic Surgery. 2002 November; Vol. 28 (11): pp. 979-986.
A side benefit is the removal of fat from a part of the body in which it is not desired. Autologous fat transfer serves as an anti-aging solution, removing the signs of aging. As a natural solution, there is minimal risk of rejection from the body and the results can last up to seven years. The overall skin tone and quality of the patient will improve.
For more information and to schedule the procedure, please contact us at (609) 587-9944