Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Global Open (May 2024)

Autologous Fat Grafting Air-valve Loading Technique

  • Harrison C. Garrett, BMedSc, MD,
  • Thomas C. Lam, MBBS, FRACS

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000005815
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 5
p. e5815

Abstract

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Summary:. Autologous fat transfer is fast becoming a common adjunct procedure in plastic surgical operations, especially in breast reconstruction. Postharvest fat processing can be performed actively or passively with various techniques. All techniques require the final step of loading the harvested fat into a syringe for injection. We describe here an innovative and elegant technique for safer and more efficient loading of the plunger back into the barrel of a fat-filled syringe before injection. This technique improves ease of loading, reduces loss of harvested fat, and eliminates the risk of bodily fluid splash.