Fat transfer procedures, also known as fat grafting, is a procedure that transfers fat cells from one part of your body to another part of your body. You are essentially donating fat from yourself to yourself. This procedure should only be done by a board-certified plastic surgeon who has significant experience in fat transfer.
Where is Fat Transfers Be Used?
Unlike some cosmetic procedures that focus on only one area of the body, a fat transfer can be used to reshape many different areas of the body. A BBL or Brazilian Butt Lift is the process of transferring fat to the hips and backside. Many women that prefer not to have breast implants will opt for a fat transfer to the breast as an alternate form of augmentation. On a smaller scale, surgeons can transfer fat to the hands to restore a more youthful appearance. Severe acne scars can be improved by using fat transfers. A tiny amount of fat introduced to the area below the scar can create fullness and smooth the scar. Many people that experience sunken cheeks, oftentimes with age, will choose fat grafting as a method to plump up their cheeks.
Fat transfer can be used in the lips. However, most surgeons prefer to use dermal fillers in these areas because it offers a more predictable outcome. However, in some cases fat transfer is used to plump the lips.
How Does the Fat Transfer Procedure Work?
During the fat transfer procedure, you may be given general anesthesia or a combination of sedation and anesthesia depending on the area of the body being treated and the amount of fat being transferred. Once the donor site is prepared, a tiny incision is made and a small tube called a cannula is inserted. The fat is then extracted from the donor site and placed into a centrifuge. The centrifuge separates the fat from other fluids, creating pure fat for the transfer site.
Once the graft site has been prepped and a micro-incision is made, the purified fat is then injected through another cannula into the transfer site until the desired results are achieved.
Once the fat transfer process is done, the micro-incisions are closed with small sutures and bandaged. The amount of time required for a procedure depends on the treatment area. A Brazilian Butt Lift requires a large volume of fat grafts, so a procedure like this has a longer recovery time that a smaller transfer to the hands. Your doctor will thoroughly explain the procedure, the process, and the recovery at your consultation appointment.
If you want more information about fat transfers or if you want to find out if you are a good candidate for this procedure, schedule a personal consultation with one of our award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeons at Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery, Drs. Peter Butler, Jocelyn Leveque, and Nathan Patterson.
