Fat transfer techniques: general concepts

Facial volume loss has become widely accepted as one of the contributing factors in global facial aging. Some have even suggested that bony, muscular, fatty, and dermal/epidermal changes are more integral in the aging process than gravitational influence. Although detractors of autologous fat transfer persist, facial autologous fat transfer has become widely utilized as one option for volume restoration. Various techniques in harvesting, processing, and injecting autologous fat have been debated at length without clear guidelines emerging to maximize outcomes. This article aims to present one surgeon's experience in successful fat grafting philosophy and technique. Areas covered will include preparation, harvesting, processing, and injection techniques. The injection techniques are organized by facial region and into the general philosophy and thinking regarding the facial region as well as the specific technique that has been utilized over 7 years and hundreds of successful procedures.