Liporecycling: a technique for facial rejuvenation and body contouring.

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue augmentation using autologous fat is a standard method in facial rejuvenation and in refinement of body contouring. Different procedures by different authors have been described, each with its specific advantages and disadvantages.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to describe a method of harvesting, processing, and reinjection of fat that provides new aspects and advantages compared to previously described procedures.

METHODS: We report about a new method of autologous fat grafting. Fat is harvested during machine-assisted liposuction in tumescent local anesthesia with microcannulas, processed in a special open manner, and reinjected through a 24-gauge needle for intra- and subdermal augmentation.

RESULTS: Short- and long-term results are equivalent to other methods of fat cell grafting.

CONCLUSION: Advantages of the described method include easy harvesting during conventional machine-assisted liposuction, the possibility of removing undesired bands of fibrous tissue from the graft, and easy passage through a 24-gauge needle. Thus sub- and intradermal augmentation is possible with the same material and syringe.