Fat transfer is the procedure of choice for many people because it offers double the benefit. It takes unwanted fat from one area of the body (such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips) and transfers it to another area of the body that needs more volume or contour (such as the breasts, face, or buttocks).
While the aesthetic benefits are excellent, it offers another significant advantage: Fat transfer uses the patient’s own tissue, removing the risk of allergic reactions or rejection.
How Is Fat Transfer Performed?
To perform the fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, the surgeon first uses liposuction to remove fat from a donor area of the patient’s body, such as the abdomen or thighs. The harvested fat is then carefully processed to separate the living fat cells from other fluids and damaged cells.
The processed fat is then injected into the desired areas using a small needle or cannula. The surgeon uses their artistic skill and experience to inject the fat in a way that enhances natural facial or body contours.
The fat cells integrate into the injected area and remain in place, creating long-lasting, natural-looking enhancement. A small portion of the fat cells may not survive the transfer, so a second fat grafting procedure may be necessary to achieve your desired results.
What Areas Can Fat Transfer Treat?
Fat transfer effectively augments and enhances many areas of the face and body, including the following:
1. Breasts
Fat transfer to the breasts is often referred to as natural breast augmentation because it uses the patient’s own tissue rather than breast implants. However, fat transfer may not be suitable for patients who desire a significant increase in breast size.
Fat transfer for breast augmentation can do the following:
- Add subtle volume to small or asymmetrical breasts
- Improve breast contour and shape
- Enhance the look of breast implants
- Eliminate a repeat procedure for implant replacement (typically after 10 to 15 years)
If you’re considering fat transfer breast augmentation and you’re near me in the Tracy area, I’m happy to talk with you about whether natural breast augmentation or implants can better achieve your goals.
2. Face and Cheeks
I use a technique called LipoStructure® in my practice, strategically injecting fat to improve the appearance of the face and cheeks.
These are some of the benefits fat transfer to the face can achieve:
- Restoring fullness to areas that have lost volume due to aging or weight loss
- Filling in wrinkles, furrows, and hollow areas
- Subtly raising concave scars
- Creating a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance
3. Lips
Fat transfer to the lips plumps and enhances them, giving natural-looking, long-lasting definition and shape. Many people prefer fat grafting over lip fillers because they don’t need annual touch-up treatments to maintain their results.
4. Buttocks
Fat transfer to the buttocks adds volume to improve shape, symmetry, and appearance. Often called a Brazilian butt lift, this procedure should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon for your safety.
5. Hip Dips
Hip dips are the inward curves that can occur where the hip bone meets the thigh bone, giving the appearance of a dip or depression. Fat transfer adds volume to the area around the hips, so there’s a smooth transition from hip to thigh.
6. Hands
If your hands have taken on a bony or aged look, fat transfer can improve their appearance by adding volume and smoothing the skin. As we age, the skin on the hands becomes thin and loses volume, making veins, tendons, and bones more visible.
Request a Consultation
If you want to speak with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon about how fat transfer can help you achieve your cosmetic goals, call my Tracy, California, office today at (209) 834-0626 or request a consultation.
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