From supporting character to protagonist. Fat, once viewed as simply something to be removed from the body, has gained a new role in plastic medicine and surgery. Thanks to advances in research and increasingly precise techniques, autologous fat grafting, also known as fat grafting, has established itself as one of the most promising methods for those looking for natural-looking results, tissue regeneration and improved skin quality.
Fat is not just a means of replacing volume, it is a living tissue with unique biological properties. “It has great regenerative potential,” explains plastic surgeon Dr. John Favarin, from the Belfeffer Clinic, located in Criciuma (South Carolina). “We’re talking about a substance that can not only plump the skin, but also promote lasting improvements in skin texture, radiance and quality.”
The plastic surgeon explains that autologous fat acts as a biocompatible filler, capable of improving the skin and stimulating tissue regeneration in aesthetic and reconstructive cases.
How fat injection works
According to June, the procedure consists of removing fatty tissue from donor areas (such as the abdomen or thighs) via micro-liposuction. This substance is then purified and re-injected into areas that need volume or rejuvenation. “In addition to being biocompatible, meaning it uses the patient’s own tissues, the method is safe, with a low risk of rejection, smooth recovery and durable results,” he highlights.
According to the doctor, this technique is widely used in facial rejuvenation to fill wrinkles, dark circles and cheeks, and also on the body, in areas such as buttocks, breasts, hands and scars. “By combining different types of preparation, lipids can be used in multiple layers: micro-lipids bring shape and volume, while nano-lipids rejuvenate the skin, with anti-aging effects and improving texture.”
The future of technology and its medical scope
The therapeutic potential of fat goes beyond cosmetic surgery. It has already been studied in fields such as dermatology, orthopedics, gynecology, cardiology, neurology and ophthalmology. According to a publication from the National Library of Medicine, autologous fat transfer is a reliable, minimally invasive procedure, and new applications should emerge as experimental research advances.
For Dr. John Favarin, the future points to more precise techniques and more predictable results. “What was once just an alternative fill is now recognized as a powerful regeneration tool,” he says. “It is very gratifying to see this recognition growing and to know that many of these innovations are already reaching Brazil.”