Fat transfer, also called fat injection or fat grafting, is a surgical procedure where a doctor transfers fat from one area of your body to the other. The surgical goal is to augment, or improve, the area where the doctor injects the fat. The procedure involves using liposuction to extract adipose fat, processing the fat, and then turning around and reinjecting purified fat into the desired area. Show Fat transfer is a fairly new procedure that’s growing each year in popularity, due to the natural, beautiful results it produces as well as the various benefits it offers.You have fat cells located everywhere on your body, but it’s not always where you want it for beautiful contours and curves. Individuals who are not happy with the contour and volume of their face, breasts, buttocks, hips or abdomen can have the doctor transfer their own fat to these areas and improve the appearance of both areas. Fat transfer is appealing to a wide audience, since the procedure itself is minimally invasive and versatile. The doctor can use it to:
Areas Fat Transfer Are Commonly UsedCommon areas used for harvesting fat include the hips, abdomen and thighs. These are considered “problem areas” for many individuals and frequently have plentiful fat pockets. By having these areas harvested, problem areas are reduced and contour is improved. Patients also have fat injections on other areas, such as the hands, face, breast and buttocks. For instance, facial fat grafting can improve lost volume in your lips, cheeks, eye area, jawline, and temples. Facial fat graphing can be performed in two hours in an outpatient setting. Hand rejuvenation through fat grafting involves removing some of fat from a part of your body where it is in excess to transfer it to the back of the hand to replace lost volume. Fat transfer has also become an emerging breast reconstruction technique. The technique uses your own tissues as opposed to an implant to reconstruct the breast. Since the 1990’s, plastic surgeons have been using fat grafting reliably to enhance and improve the cosmetic appearance of the:
But, more recently, doctors have documented fat grafting’s therapeutic benefits in the healing of scars and wounds and fat’s ability to repair damage to breast tissue after radiation therapy. In 2017, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that minimally invasive cosmetic fat injections were up 13 percent and buttock and breast augmentation using fat graphing increased 26% and 72%, respectively. History of Fat GraftingThe first fat transfer surgery dates back to1893 when Gustav Neuber, a German plastic surgeon transferred fat to the eye region from the arm to correct scars that were formed from bone infection (osteomyelitis). Despite a long clinical use history and the evolution of fat grafting methods, no consensus exists on the best method and longevity of results, however, the principles of fat reimplantation are formed on optimum recipient-site vascularity for enhanced fat survival. How the Fat Transfer Procedure Is PerformedThe doctor harvests fat from one area of your body, washes and purifies it and then reinjects it carefully with specially made needles into the areas needing augmentation. It might be necessary to have the procedure repeated a few times to achieve your desired result. Fat transfer is basically explained in a 3-stage process:
The goal of the surgeon is to help you achieve the most natural-looking and beautiful results and to make your procedure experience as comfortable and easy as possible. When to Consider Fat TransferYou might be interested in fat graphing:
It’s also a common technique used for lip enhancement. Also, fat transfer can help smooth out all types of abnormalities like those that result from injuries or poorly performed liposuction. The doctor obtains the necessary fat by a limited liposculpture through one or a few small incisions. It’s typically taken from your inner thigh or abdomen. They process the aspirated fat by centrifuging, rinsing or filtering. The result is pure liquid fatty tissue that is ready for injection. They inject the fat where needed. They evenly distribute the fat into the area by injecting very small amounts in your tissues so healthy tissue surrounds the injected fat. This ensures the transplanted fat stays in contact with these neighboring tissues that must supply it with nutrients and oxygen. Pros of Fat TransferSome advantages include:
Cons of Fat TransferSome potential drawbacks include:
While fat transfer is a quick-growing technique that produces beautiful and appealing results and works well for many individuals, it’s not the best option for everyone. Ideal candidates for fat transfer are those who are looking to add natural, subtle volume to one or more areas of their body or those looking to rejuvenate the aging face. To be a candidate, you must be in generally good health. You must have enough fat for the desired form of transfer. You must also have realistic expectations for this technique. Schedule Your Fat Transfer Consultation TodayTo learn more about face and body fat grafting with Bay Area Plastic Surgery expert Dr. Sieber, schedule a consultation or call 415-915-9000 today. How much fat can be transferred?Pane says 600-800ml of fat per side is generally the high end, while medium-sized patients may be able to accommodate up to 1200ml per side of transferred adipose tissue and larger patients top out around 1500ml per buttock.
Can fat move after fat transfer?Answer: Fat cannot move
No. Fat cells cannot migrate or move from one area to another. If they survive after being injected, it is only because they have become attached to their blood supply which is keeping them alive. They cannot detach, move to a new location, then reattach.
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