Fat grafting in aesthetics

Autologous fat transfer is an increasingly popular aesthetic and reconstructive technique for facial rejuvenation, breast contouring and augmentation, and buttock augmentation. The grafted fat is a living tissue and contains stem cells with tissue regenerative properties, which makes this a very unique filler. Historically, a major issue with this technique has been long-term graft viability and retention; however, each step of the autologous fat transfer process is being optimized in pursuit of the ideal protocol that maximizes graft survival. We review the major variations in the autologous fat transfer method, its aesthetic applications, and our own experiences.