Autologous fat transfer national consensus survey: trends in techniques for harvest, preparation, and application, and perception of short- and long-term results.
BACKGROUND
Despite a perceived interest in autologous fat transfer, there is no consensus as to the best technique or the level of success. The purpose of the present study was to determine the national trends in techniques for harvest, preparation, and application of autologous fat, as well as the success perceived by practitioners.


METHODS
Comprehensive surveys were sent to 650 randomly selected members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The survey was aimed at determining whether autologous fat transfer is a commonly performed procedure and, if so, the specific methods involved and the subjective perception of short- and long-term results.


RESULTS
The results of the national consensus survey from 508 surgeons (78 percent return rate) showed the following: (1) autologous fat transfer is a relatively common procedure (57 percent perform >10 annually), but few perform it in high volume (only 23 percent perform >30 annually); (2) techniques for harvest, preparation, and injection rarely deviate from methods discussed in the literature (microcannula, 54 percent; centrifugation, 75 percent; injection in nasolabial fold > lips > nasojugal folds); (3) most physicians believe that at least some graft survival is clinically evident (93 percent); and (4) patients are pleased with the short-term results (good to excellent, 84 percent), despite a lower rate of long-term patient satisfaction (fair to good, 80 percent).


CONCLUSIONS
Currently, plastic surgeons across the country report a uniformity of autologous fat grafting techniques with acceptable patient satisfaction.
Kaufman
Matthew R
MR
Los Angeles, Calif. From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center.
Bradley
James P
JP
Dickinson
Brian
B
Heller
Justin B
JB
Wasson
Kristy
K
O'Hara
Catherine
C
Huang
Catherine
C
Gabbay
Joubin
J
Ghadjar
Kiu
K
Miller
Timothy A
TA
D032921:Consensus; D006801:Humans; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D050151:Subcutaneous Fat / Q000637:transplantation*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting