What does autologous fat grafting involve?

Autologous fat grafting involves harvesting fat cells from one part of a patient's body and then injecting those cells into another area that requires soft tissue restoration or volume enhancement. This technique is particularly useful for repairing defects caused by trauma, burns, or surgical procedures, as it utilizes the patient’s own tissue, minimizing the risk of rejection or adverse reactions.

The harvested fat cells not only fill the defect but can also promote healing by delivering growth factors and improving the vascularization of the area. This approach is increasingly popular in reconstructive surgery due to its natural aesthetic results and the dual benefit of liposuction, where excess fat is simultaneously removed from unwanted areas.

In contrast, the other choices do not relate to the autologous fat grafting process. Injecting saline into a wound is more aligned with hydrotherapy or mechanical cleansing rather than tissue restoration. Applying adhesive bandages addresses surface wound closure but does not involve tissue augmentation or grafting. The use of synthetic fillers is a distinct practice that entails artificial substances instead of the patient's own tissue, diverging from the concept of autologous grafting.