Fat grafting, or fat transfer, is a popular new aesthetic procedure that uses a patient’s own tissues to augment other areas of their bodies to restore lost volume and trim other areas. But how much extra fat is necessary for these procedures? Should patients gain weight before undergoing a fat grafting procedure?

From enhancing delicate facial features to boosting your backside, our renowned plastic surgeons at Sarasota Plastic Surgery are here to guide you through your fat transfer procedure. Here is some information about this revolutionary aesthetic treatment.

What is Fat Transfer?

Fat grafting removes fat from one area of the body and reinstates it into another area that could use additional volume to look plump and smooth. Fat transfers are often chosen when a patient desires a natural approach versus fillers or implants. An additional bonus is the area where fat was extracted will appear slimmer. Fat can be transferred almost anywhere on your face or body to help restore lost volume, including:

• Hips
• Breasts
• Hands
• Lower eyelids
• Cheeks
• Lips

First, liposuction is performed to remove the fat, which is then purified. The healthy fat tissue is injected into the area that needs volume. The injection process is performed in layers for even smoothness. For certain body parts, multiple injections are necessary. The natural-looking, long-lasting results from fat transfer can be seen quickly. While Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center uses the latest techniques to purify and graft fat, there will be some resorption back to the body, so more fat than necessary may be added to the area.

Should I Gain Weight?

Although the amount of fat you have available for harvest will help determine your fat transfer candidacy, patients should understand that gaining weight before a fat transfer procedure is not recommended. The most successful and optimal results from your Sarasota fat transfer come from maintaining a constant healthy, stable weight prior to your procedure. The goal of fat transfer is to improve your overall figure; weight gain goes against that ideal. Gaining weight before your fat transfer procedure can lead to unsatisfactory results and potential risks, including weight gain in unexpected areas. Unhealthy fat can develop in areas that aren’t accessible for liposuction, like around the organs.

During your fat transfer consultation, you’ll discuss how much fat is needed to achieve your goals. Typically, lack of fat for the transfer is only an issue if you have a very low body fat percentage or want a large volume of fat added to one area. Fat can be harvested from multiple sites or supplemented with donor fat.

We’re Your Fat Transfer Experts

Choosing the right provider is the first step to ensuring optimal results from any plastic surgery procedure. The expert board-certified plastic surgeons of Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center are committed to guiding you through all aspects of your fat transfer journey with compassion and transparency!   Get ready to partner with Sarasota’s best fat transfer providers. Contact us today to learn more.