Fat Transfer

As we age, our faces and bodies undergo various changes, including the loss of volume in specific areas. Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, fat injection, or lipofilling, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure designed to restore volume and rejuvenate our appearance by transferring fat from one part of the body to another. This procedure involves harvesting fat from areas with excess fat, such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips, and injecting it into areas that require enhancement, such as under the eyes, cheeks, lips, breasts, hands, hips, or buttocks.

In addition to its use in targeted volume restoration, fat transfer is an integral component of liposculpture. Liposculpture employs liposuction combined with lipofilling or fat grafting to precisely “sculpt” various parts of the body, such as the face, abdomen, and other areas, enhancing and refining their appearance. This technique strategically fills certain areas while suctioning fat from other areas to create enhanced contours and shapes throughout the face and body, resulting in a natural-looking, fuller, and more youthful appearance.

Why is Fat Transfer Done?

Fat transfer is performed for various reasons, including:

• Restoring lost facial volume.
• Reducing wrinkles.
• Enhancing the appearance of lips and cheeks.
• Correcting facial asymmetry or deformities.
• Improving the contours of the breasts (breast augmentation) or buttocks (Brazilian butt lift).
• Rejuvenating the hands by adding volume.
• Providing natural-looking results using your tissue.
• Achieving body contouring.

Fat transfer, however, is not a weight-loss procedure as the fat is simply moved to a different part of your body.

Who is a Good Candidate for Fat Transfer?

Ideal candidates for fat transfer are those who:

• Seek to enhance facial features, hands, breasts, or buttocks.
• Desire a natural and long-lasting solution for volume loss.
• Are close to their ideal weight.
• Have areas of the body with excess fat available for harvesting.
• Are in good overall health and do not have significant medical conditions.
• Have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure.
• Do not smoke or are willing to quit smoking for a significant period before and after surgery.

Patients who are not good candidates include those with complex medical conditions that can impair healing, have unrealistic expectations, or are unable to follow post-surgical care instructions.

What Happens During the Surgery

Fat transfer surgery is typically performed on an outpatient or office basis. The procedure begins with the administration of local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the process. You may be awake during the procedure, but you won’t feel any pain. If the treatment area is larger or you are having other cosmetic surgeries at the same time, you may be given general anesthesia, so you are asleep throughout the procedure. Fat is then harvested from the donor area using liposuction. The harvested fat is carefully purified to remove any excess fluids and impurities, leaving behind only the viable fat cells. The surgeon will then inject the purified fat into the targeted areas in small, precise amounts to achieve the desired enhancement. The incisions are closed, and the treated areas are dressed to minimize swelling and bruising.

How Long Does It Take?

The duration of a fat transfer procedure varies depending on the extent of the treatment and the areas involved. On average, the surgery can take between 1 to 4 hours. If fat transfer is combined with other cosmetic procedures, the overall time may be longer. Additionally, the number of sessions required to achieve the desired outcome varies. Simple enhancements, like lip fat transfer, can often be achieved in one surgery, while more complex surgeries, such as breast or buttocks enhancement, might require multiple fat transfer sessions to achieve the desired look.

Recovery after Fat Transfer

Recovery from fat transfer involves some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in both the donor and recipient areas, which typically subside within a few weeks. Following all post-operative care instructions is essential for a smooth recovery. You may need to wear compression garments to reduce swelling and support the healing process. It is important to avoid strenuous activities and to keep the treated areas clean and protected. Most patients can return to normal activities within a week or two, while others may need longer. Full recovery and final results become more apparent over several months as the swelling completely subsides and the transferred fat settles.

FAQ

How painful is a fat transfer?
Pain after a fat transfer is typically minimal and can be managed with prescribed medication. Most patients report discomfort rather than severe pain.

Will there be visible scars?
The incisions for fat harvesting and injection are usually small and placed in inconspicuous areas, resulting in minimal scarring that fades over time.

How soon can I return to work?
Most patients can return to work within a week or two, depending on their job and how their healing progresses.

How long do the results last?
The results of a fat transfer are long-term, although some fat reabsorption is expected. Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle can help prolong the results.

Can I combine fat transfer with other procedures?
Yes, fat transfer can be combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as facelifts or breast reconstruction, for more comprehensive enhancement.

What should I avoid after surgery?
After surgery, avoid strenuous activities, smoking, and alcohol, and follow all post-operative instructions to ensure optimal healing and results.

Complementary Procedures

Complementary procedures that can enhance the results of fat transfer include facelifts to address facial sagging, eyelid surgery for rejuvenating the eye area, and botulinum toxin or dermal fillers to smooth fine lines and add volume to other areas. Combining these procedures can provide more harmonious and comprehensive results, enhancing overall appearance and confidence.

For more detailed information or to schedule a consultation, please contact our office.