ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Autologous transplantation of fat is a surgical technique that has been used for over a century. Following early reports, concerns emerged regarding the survival and longevity of fat grafts, which led to a decrease in popularity. The advent of liposuction in the 1980s provided a novel method for harvesting of fat grafts and there has been a resurgence of interest in the potential of fat transplantation. Further refinements in techniques for harvesting, processing and injecting fat grafts have subsequently led to improvements in rates of graft survival and autologous fat grafting now constitutes a significant component of the reconstructive surgeon’s armamentarium. However, there is no universally accepted method for harvesting and processing these grafts and many areas of controversy remain. Recent advances in understanding the physiology of adipose tissue and appreciation of fat as a source of stem cells have stimulated continued interest and generated further controversy in this field.
