Autologous Fat Transfer

Andrew Biello, MD

Content Contributor

Evolution of Autologous Fat Transfer

Various filler materials exist, and are catered to cosmetic outcome, as well as patient goals for longevity. Filler material can broadly be separated into permanent and temporary, however most various types exist on a spectrum from months to years. There are permanent and temporary filler materials. Fat from our own body (autologous fat) is permanent filler, although it does undergo resorption to a certain degree (about half is resorbed). Another benefit in facial cosmetics is that it acts as a natural feeling substance (vs. implants and other filler material). Some side effects of fat grafting include clumping if improperly placed, as well as rare granuloma formation. Autologous fat also cannot be broken down if the cosmetic result is undesirable. This is opposed to hyaluronic acid fillers, which can be broken down with injection of hyaluronidase to reverse the cosmetic result.

Technology Spotlight

Revolve Advanced Adipose System

The Revolve Advance Adipose System is used to aspirate, harvest, filter, and transfer autologous fat in the human body. These are all done during the same procedure. The amount of fat that can be harvested is between 100 to 350 ml. It is advised to harvest about 20-30% more fat that the desired amount, as washing of the fat will reduce the volume slightly. The fat is then transferred into catheter tip syringes after washing and is ready for injection into the recipient site. The integration of these processes within the same device minimizes exposure to outside air, and decreases handling.