Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer or fat injection, has broad applications in aesthetic plastic surgery. Fat can be injected to enhance volume in areas where fat has diminished. Fat grafting involves harvesting fat from one part of the body, washing and purifying it, and then carefully re-injecting it into the areas requiring augmentation. Many of our patients choose to do what is commonly called a Brazilian Butt Lift, which involves a fat transfer to their buttocks, but fat grafting to the face, hands, and breast is also popular. The procedure may need to be repeated several times to achieve the desired result but can produce long-lasting and natural-appearing results.
BEST CANDIDATES FOR FAT GRAFTING SURGERY
– Patients with volume-deficient areas in the face, buttocks, or hands
– Patients experiencing signs of aging and loss of volume in the cheeks, temples, forehead, or other facial areas
– Patients seeking to restore a youthful roundness and fullness to the face
CONSULTATION
During the consultation, our doctors will first ask about the patient’s goals, and specifically what areas of the body the patient would like to remove the fat from, and what areas they would like to add volume. Our doctors will also ask about medical history to determine if the patient is a good candidate. They will explain the next steps in going forth with the procedure. In order to reach the best results, the patient and doctor will decide all the necessary details and options together.
SURGERY DETAILS
After liposuction is performed to remove fat, the fat is purified and then washed with an antibiotic rinse, placed in sterile syringes, and then injected in small doses to the chosen area. Our doctors’ technique is to carefully inject various areas in very small deposits, which ensures that the fat cells receive enough blood supply to survive and heal properly. One limitation of the fat transfer is how much fat our doctors can use from liposuction. The volume of the fat transfer depends highly on the amount of available fat after liposuction.
Provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
RECOVERY & POST OPERATION
– The patient will wear a compression garment that must be worn at all times for the first two weeks to ensure the fat remains where it was injected.
– Patients will need to keep the treated areas dry and sleep elevated on 2 pillows.
– Patients can usually return to work after 2 weeks when the swelling and bruising have decreased.
– While patients should walk frequently during the recovery period to promote healing and prevent blood clots, strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least 6 weeks.
FROM OUR DOCTORS
“Fat grafting has gotten more popular over the past ten years as there has been more recognition among plastic surgeons that there are changes in fatty tissue volume as the body changes.
Fat transfer does require patience for the areas to soften. The increase in volume can be seen right away, and patients can usually get around without difficulty by two weeks after surgery. It can take some time for small areas of firmness to be softened up with the use of massage, so I always advise patience when it comes to this.”
– DR. HSU
“We all lose volume in our face as we age. Fat, muscle and bone all diminish, which causes skin to sag. Replacing lost facial volume with fat is safe, long lasting and natural. I take an individualized approach and discusses with each patient the best way to balance facial features and create a natural, rejuvenated look. Each person’s unique face shape requires an artist’s touch.”
– DR. YAO
“Fat grafting is a fantastic way to change the proportions of one’s body. To harvest the fat, we liposuction fat from areas where a thinner contour is desired. The fat can then be reinjected in areas where a curvier or fuller appearance is desired, for example in the breasts, hips, or buttocks.
I discuss patient’s goals with them at the time of consultation. Keep in mind that during the natural healing process of fat grafts, a portion of the fat does go away. However, the fat that remains becomes a permanent part of your body and significantly helps improve body contour.“
– DR. YUAN
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What can I expect from my Fat Grafting results?
Patients can expect the areas wear the fat was transferred to appear softer and fuller, giving a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance. Some patients even notice an improvement in skin texture. The survival of the fat and longevity of the results depend on how the fat was harvested and purified, and how and where it was injected. To be performed successfully, fat grafting requires a surgeon, like our doctors at Line Plastic Surgery, with highly developed skills based on experience and knowledge of fat grafting techniques.
How is the fat harvested?
Our doctors will select a site(s) for fat removal based on our consultation with the patient and will inject it with a local anesthetic. Our doctors will then create a small incision in the area for fat removal and, using a sterile technique, insert a cannula connected to a syringe to carefully extract fat.
How is the fat purified?
For the purification, our doctors will process the removed fat to prepare the fat cells for transfer to small syringes that will be used for fat injection. Purification may require the use of a centrifuge to spin the fat or a filtration process to remove impurities.
How is the fat placed?
To place the fat, our doctors will prepare the area designated to receive the graft. Our doctors will insert a needle or cannula into the incision point of the site being augmented. The injection needle is usually passed in and out of the areas to be augmented multiple times, in what is known as micro-fat grafting. Our doctors’ goal is to help patients achieve the most beautiful and natural-looking results, as well as to make the surgical experience as easy and comfortable as possible.
SCHEDULE A
CONSULTATION
We are looking forward to meeting you in person, hearing your aspirations, and tailoring a surgical plan especially for you. We hope our in-person consultation will answer all of your questions, provide you a sense of confidence and also further your excitement of the path you are on.