Regenerative Medicine & Surgery

The process of fat transfer is simple and involves four main stages:

In the first stage, fat cells will be harvested usually from one area and less commonly from two or more areas of the body. You will be given enough local anaesthesia to numb the area where the fat will be harvested from. Then, a small-diameter cannula called ‘microcannula’ connected to a special vacuum syringe will be gently introduced under the skin to harvest the fat. During this process, you should not feel any pain, just a gentle feel of ‘pushing and pulling’. After the fat is harvested, it will contain a mixture of fat cells, blood, sterile water, local anaesthetic and a few other medications that help to reduce the bruise.

In the second stage, the harvested fat will be processed at a special fat-processing device that will allow for the fat cells to become washed and separated from blood, sterile water, local anaesthetic as well as other medications.

In the third stage, the washed fat cells pass through some special filters called micronizers which will convert them into smaller-sized fat particles known as Microfat and Nanofat. Microfat and nanofat are both rich in stem cells however, nanofat contains the highest concentration of stem cells and is therefore, used for rejuvenating the skin.

In the fourth stage, microfat and nanofat are collected into several small syringes and are then injected to the face and the neck. The microfat is injected to areas to replace the lost volume and to correct deep lines and wrinkles whereas, nanofat is injected to areas to rejuvenate the skin. This is why this procedure offers a ‘double-benefit’ compared to the fillers which are mainly used to replace volume and have a little effect on skin rejuvenation.

The microfat and nanofat transfer is a breakthrough treatment which uses the patient’s own fat to achieve a glowing, younger-looking face and neck. Microfat can be used to volumise the cheeks, temples, plump the lips, reshape the nose and restore the under eye areas (known as ‘tear troughs’). In addition, it can provide more definition and shape to the jawline and plump fine lines and wrinkles. Nanofat is used to restore the firmness and texture of the skin. Microfat and nanofat transfer can also be used to rejuvenate other body areas such as the hands and the genitals.

Any patient (male and female) who has adequate fatty tissue, is a candidate for a microfat and nanofat transfer. The surgeon will do a consultation with you to address the areas on the face and the neck that require fat transfer. The doctor will examine you to assess if enough fatty tissue is present for a fat transfer. The fat that is harvested from the body is small in volume, compared to traditional liposuction and is generally less than 80ml depending on the case therefore, nearly all the patients are suitable candidates for this procedure.  In Harley Elite Group, we offer all our patients FREE consultation with our expert surgeons before any treatment. We are here to discuss with you all your concerns, as well as provide you with the most suitable procedure according to your needs, desires and expectations.

There are numerous benefits of fat transfer: Fat transfer procedure has the benefit of using ‘your own fat’ to replace the lost volume and to improve the quality and texture of the skin. Therefore unlike fillers, fat transfer replaces ‘like with like’ tissue. Fat is a rich source of stem cells. Stem cells are key cells that can differentiate into various different cells in the body, including collagen-producing cells leading to the production of new collagen, the main protein responsible for rejuvenating the skin (creates a firmer and brighter skin).

Fat unlike a filler is natural and it is well-tolerated by the body. It does not cause allergic reactions and chronic inflammatory reactions that the fillers can sometimes be associated with.  Fat offers the ‘double benefit of volumising and rejuvenating the tissues, whereas fillers do not provide such a potent rejuvenating effect.   Another advantage of fat transfer is that unlike fillers, the price of the procedure is fixed and not volume-dependent. For example, the price for a fat transfer is fixed irrespective of whether 10cc of fat or 40cc of fat are used for the procedure. This is not however, the case with fillers, as the price depends on the filler volume required to provide the desired result. Therefore, the greater the volume of the filler the higher the price.  You will have a detailed consultation with a surgeon who will answer any further questions you might have regarding this procedure.

The injected fat will try to combine with the existing fat cells and regain a new blood supply. This new blood supply will allow for the fat to remain ‘alive’ and persist for many years. About 20-30% of the injected fat will not receive a blood supply and will therefore melt away with time. This usually occurs within the first 6 to 12 months following surgery. The remaining 70-80% of fat will receive a new blood supply and will survive for many years. This is why we tend to inject a bit more volume of fat that is we ‘overcorrect’, in order to compensate for the loss of fat with time.

Step 1:
Blood Collection:
A small amount of the patient’s blood is drawn, typically from the arm.

Step 2:
Centrifugation:
The blood is then placed in a centrifuge, a machine that spins it at high speeds to separate its components. This process concentrates the platelets, along with plasma (the liquid part of the blood), resulting in platelet-rich plasma.

Step 3
Injection: The PRP is injected into the area that needs treatment. The high concentration of growth factors in the PRP is believed to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, promoting tissue repair and regeneration.

PRP can be used to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendon, ligament and muscle injuries .

Also known as the “Vampire facial,” PRP is injected into the skin or combined with Microneedling to improve skin texture, tone, and elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. PRP can also be injected into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth in individuals experiencing hair thinning or androgenic alopecia (pattern baldness).

PRP is sometimes used to help heal chronic wounds, such as pressure sores or diabetic ulcers, by enhancing the body’s natural healing process.

1.Natural Treatment:
PRP uses the patient’s own blood, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or rejection.

2.Minimally Invasive:
The procedure involves injections rather than surgery, making it less invasive with a shorter recovery time.

3.Versatile
PRP can be used in various medical and cosmetic fields to treat a wide range of conditions.

1.Variable Results:
The effectiveness of PRP can vary from person to person, and not all patients may experience the same treatment outcome.

2.Multiple Sessions
Some conditions may require several PRP treatments to achieve optimal results.

3.Mild Side Effects:
As with any injection, there can be mild side effects like mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising at the injection site.

PRP is a very popular treatment option offering a natural and minimally invasive approach to a variety of medical and cosmetic conditions.