We often tend to see fat as an enemy and are prepared to go to great lengths to get rid of it. However, during fat transfer, this undesirable substance, usually accumulating in all the wrong places, turns out to be invaluable, as it is removed with a special instrument, cleansed, processed and injected into the facial area for cosmetic purposes. After all, fat transplantation is not an entirely novel procedure in medicine (Neuber, 1893), although the methods and techniques used have greatly improved during the last decade. Today, autologous, i.e. the patient's own, fatty tissue is seen as the fountain of youth because one of its main components is stem cells, which help tissue regenerate or rejuvenate. Dr. Tiia Tamme has been using fat transplantation in her practice since 2012.

• gives volume to cheeks, lips, chin and eyelids
• fills lines and wrinkles in the facial area
• helps correct imperfections and scars in the facial area
• gives skin a fresh, more youthful texture

In the facial area, fat transplantation can be used as an independent procedure, but combining it with other surgical procedures gives an even better result. It is commonly used in combination with a facelift or an eyelid correction procedure.

Before transfer, autologous fat can be also mixed with platelet-rich plasma, fibrine or hyaluronic acid. Fat to be transferred can be processed to nano-particles and injected intradermally, improving skin quality. The latter procedure is especially effective for reducing dark under-eye circles.

Recovery: 7 to 10 days. When transferred fat is combined with platelet-rich plasma, the recovery period is shorter (3 to 4 days).

Scarring: none.

Anaesthesia: local or intravenous.

Cost: prices start from 1,200 EUR.