Microfat Grafting (Autologous fat grafting, AFG)
Microfat grafting is a modern concept and an advanced form of “Fat grafting” or “Fat transfer”. History of fat grafting dates back to 1893 where Nuber F. first published transfer of pieces of fat graft for facial reconstruction. Since then the procedure has evolved. Late professor Illouz was considered the pioneer of liposuction and fat grafting. But recent work of Coleman and Saboeiro reported high success rate of fat grafting. The key is use of fine particles of fat that is uniformly distributed in the tissue to ensure better vascualrization and success of the procedure.
What are the indications for Microfat grafting?
It can be used for a variety of clinical conditions, Facial Antiaging and rejuvenation- Under eye circle, temporal hollowness, sagging and empty brows, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, glabellar frown lines, cheeks etc
Acne scars and depressed scars of face, Hand rejuvenation, Cellulite correction
This is a new concept to use extremely small particles of fat to rejuvenate the skin. These small particles contain specialized cells “stem cells” that helps to rebuild the collagen without increasing the volume. These are used in acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, depressed scars, postoperative scar correction etc
How is Microfat grafting performed?
There are three essential steps involved: Harvesting under local anesthesia. Fat is harvested in an atruamatic way to preserve the maximum amount of viable fat cells. The best sources are inner knees, outer thighs, flanks etc. Processing of fat is performed in a machine to remove the blood cells and liquid content of the aspirate. Microinjection is performed in the face using 1 ml syringe and a fine microcannula. This is done under local anesthesia and fat is carefully placed in different layers of the face or hand.
It can be combined with other facial rejuvenation surgeries such as blepharoplasty, face lift, rhinoplasty etc. It can also be combined as “Lipostructuring of the face”. In Lipostructuring of the face fat is removed from lower part of the face such as neck, jowls, jaw lines and injected in areas with depressions. This helps to rejuvenate the face and improve the shape of the face.
What is the recovery and risks of this procedure?
After the procedure, ice packs are applied to minimize bruising. The bruising can last upto four to five days in some patients. A patient should avoid exercise for few weeks to ensure better fat graft acceptance.
Some of the risks include infection, haematoma, fat loss, lumpiness etc.
Microfat grafting is a modern concept and an advanced form of “Fat grafting” or “Fat transfer”. History of fat grafting dates back to 1893 where Nuber F. first published transfer of pieces of fat graft for facial reconstruction.