As skin ages, the tissues responsible for a youthful appearance start to break down and get re-absorbed, including fat tissue.  As the fatty tissue decreases, there is less volume support for the overlying skin, resulting in facial wrinkles, sagging, and hollows.  Injectable fillers attempt to restore this deep tissue volume to correct the depressed areas of the face, such as the hollows under the eyes and over the cheek bones.

Micro-fat grafting works in a very similar manner to other injectable fillers, but since it is your own tissue, there is no chance of rejection or allergic reaction and it typically lasts much longer. This procedure uses the patient’s own fat cells which are suctioned out of one location and then grafted to a different area by injecting them into the deep tissues.  Fat grafting can be used to correct facial contour defects, restore volume to hollow areas, and to provide a natural alternative to synthetic injectable fillers. The results of micro-fat grafting are variable on a patient's age, genetics and skin quality. The reasons for loss of the tissue and general medical condition also play significant roles.

It is normal for the body to re-absorb much of the grafted fat tissue, but usually up to 60% is retained over the long-term.  The best long lasting cosmetic result may require multiple sessions of fat injections. Fat grafting can be performed alone or in conjunction with other surgical procedures.