Fat grafting systems: equipment for harvest, processing and injection

The stages that a fat transfer system must cover

Autologous fat grafting follows three technical stages. Fat is first harvested from a donor area, usually after tumescent infiltration; it is then processed to separate viable adipose tissue from fluid and debris; and finally it is injected in small aliquots into the recipient site. Each stage has its own equipment needs, and weaknesses in one stage affect the whole workflow.

Technique varies between surgeons: manual syringe aspiration, pump-assisted suction with a closed collection container, or power-assisted cannulas. For a plain-language explanation of the procedure, see what is fat grafting. This article focuses on the equipment.

Infiltration and harvesting equipment

Harvesting normally starts with infiltration of tumescent solution, which can be delivered by a controlled pump rather than manually. NOUVAG's Dispenser DP 30 LipoPlus offers flow of up to 480 ml/min for tumescent infiltration before liposuction. For more on pumps see tumescent infiltration pumps.

For harvest suction, the NOUVAG Vacuson 60 LP Set combines a suction pump with 70 l/min air flow and a peristaltic infiltration pump of up to 350 ml/min, with a manually adjustable vacuum shown on an analogue manometer. NOUVAG LipoSurg combines infiltration and vibration-assisted liposuction in one compact unit with a low-vibration handpiece, 70 l/min air flow and a VARIO or ON/OFF foot switch.

Cannulas, handles and collection

Cannulas determine tissue quality and surgeon comfort as much as the pump does. REDA's plastic surgery range includes Entner, Gasparotti, Toledo and Mercedes liposuction cannulas in a choice of diameters and lengths, with matching handles, connection adapters and a syringe stand. These are the building blocks for manual and syringe-based harvesting.

Whichever harvesting method you use, check the connection standards between cannula, tubing and collection container, and whether the collection set is single-use or reusable. Closed collection systems reduce handling of the graft, but you must confirm their compatibility with your suction source. View REDA plastic surgery instruments.

• Cannula tip designs and diameters
• Connection adapters and tubing
• Single-use or reusable collection set
• Adjustable vacuum with a visible gauge

Processing and injection

Processing methods include sedimentation, washing, filtration and centrifugation, and each has its advocates. This is a surgical choice and the equipment varies by clinic, so confirm with your surgeons which processing devices they require and whether they are part of the same supplier package.

For injection, surgeons use small-diameter blunt cannulas and syringes. Look at the ergonomics and the control of the injected volume. When choosing between suppliers, our overview of fat grafting systems compared explains how to evaluate them on neutral criteria.

Selecting a fat grafting system for your clinic

Define the cases first: face, breast, body contouring or a combination. Then ask which components are reusable, how long reprocessing takes and what the consumables cost over a year. A single supplier for pumps, cannulas and accessories simplifies service. The same pump can also serve liposuction, so read our liposuction machine buying guide.

Beckfinity distributes NOUVAG and REDA in the UAE, and we can configure a set for your techniques. Contact our specialists for a consultation or demonstration.