Fat Grafting Charelston

Fat Grafting – from Dr. Funcik

Fat grafting has a long and storied history. I first began fat grafting almost twenty years ago for several years when the procedure was in its infancy of popularity. While we had some fantastic results, there were some occasional but frustrating problems of limited yield, unpredictable survival, and occasional lumps or overcorrection, especially around the thin skin of the eyes. Since that time, many things have changed. The cannulas have gotten smaller, enabling smaller aliquots of fat to be placed. This has increased survival and reduced the incidence of small irregularities.

Another thing which has taken our fat grafting results to the next level was serendipitous. While most fillers are dispensed 1cc at a time, Sculptra® is felt to create 4-5cc of volume. So, it is more reasonable to restore volume with Scultpra® than the 1cc fillers. The manufacturers of Sculptra® require that physicians receive one on one training from a National Trainer. Dr. Funcik has trained over 100 physicians throughout the country in its use. While conducting these trainings of experienced Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologists, Dr. Funcik had an opportunity to create an artistic algorithm for restoring youthful volume. The tips and tricks learned from injecting Sculptra® have greatly enhanced our results with fat grafting.

Probably the most common question an intelligent patient asks is how long fat lasts. The simple answer is that even in the worst case scenario, where yield is limited (smoker, diabetic, prior chemotherapy) approximately 50% of the fat still manages to survive. Therefore, the cost per cc of fat is much less than fillers. Practically speaking, we have not had issues in the absence of these complicating factors. It is quite rare, but not unheard of, that a second round of fat grafting would be indicated. Because of this persistence, we do not perform the procedure on young, lean individuals. For them, we fill lines with fillers and do selective re-volumization with Sculptra®. If a lean, young person were to receive fat grafting and then gain body fat with aging, they could wind up looking over corrected years later. We limit the procedure to mature adults with a rather stable body weight.

Concerning the stem-cell effects of fat grafting, there is much to be learned. The whole stem-cell craze has gotten a lot of press. Less than ethical providers are marketing the process as a panacea. But it is true that millions of dollars are being spent on research related to fat grafting. It is being investigated for everything from arthritis to gingivitis and hair loss. And indeed, we have seen examples of skin texture, sun damage, old scars and skin resurfacing enhanced by fat grafting.