Submitted by Dr. Mohan on 08 December, 2011
Fat grafting is the latest buzz word in aesthetic plastic surgery. When done by experienced surgeons, the results can be near magical. Dr. Mohan Rangaswamy is an old hand at this technique, having successfully performed it for over 8 years. The recent excitement is the addition of PRP- a preparation of the patient’s own blood product containing platelet cells, to the fat graft. Dr. Mohan has been performing fat graft with PRP for over 3 years. Following recent worldwide validation of this process, he is conducting this with more applications and with greater conviction.
In this process, there are two distinct steps. In the first, the patient’s own fat cells are harvested by gentle liposuction using very thin cannulae. Fat is taken from areas where the patient actually wishes to reduce the fat. The fat graft is then spun in a centrifuge or merely hung up in a bag to aid separation of unwanted fluids from the fat and stem cells. In the second step, Some blood is drawn into special kits. Using the kits, the blood is separated into its components. We are interested in platelet cells since these cells are packed full of growth factors and other useful substances that help the fat cells to fix better in the tissues as well as help to reduce bruising. These platelets are concentrated, then activated before mixing with fat grafts. The mixture is then injected into different areas of the face or any other body part as needed. The result is better success at fat graft, markedly less bruising and swelling [the main side effect of fat grafting] and an earlier ability for the patient to get back to work or social interactions sooner.
PRP without fat can also be injected to the face to encourage the growth factors to rebuild/repair damaged and aged tissues. A refined glow, improved complexion and appearance of youth are expected.