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Intermediate Technical IVT

fat grafting

Technique using patient's own harvested adipose tissue for volume restoration and soft tissue augmentation.

Full Definition

Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer or lipofilling, is a surgical technique where adipose tissue is harvested from one area of the patient's body, processed, and then injected into another area for volume restoration, contour enhancement, or tissue improvement. The procedure involves three steps: harvesting fat through liposuction, processing the fat to remove blood and debris, and careful injection into the recipient site. Fat grafting is commonly used in breast reconstruction, facial rejuvenation, and scar treatment. Success depends on proper technique and recipient site vascularity.

Usage

Usage note: Note that 'fat grafting' and 'autologous fat transfer' are often used interchangeably but are not exact synonyms.

In Context

  • "Fat grafting to the breast provided natural augmentation with minimal donor site morbidity." — Cosmetic surgery case report
  • "The fat grafting procedure achieved 70% volume retention at six-month follow-up." — Outcomes assessment

Also known as

fat transfer lipofilling adipose transfer

Don't confuse with

autologous fat transfer lipofilling structural fat grafting

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