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Fat Transfer

Fat Transfer in Sarasota, FL

If someone gains then loses weight or goes through the natural aging process, they may lose that smooth and plump look in various areas of the body where volume was once plentiful. A new way to regain this lost volume is through an aesthetic procedure known as fat grafting (a fat transfer). This treatment takes fat from one area of the body and reinstates it into another area that could use additional volume. A fat transfer can be used on areas of the body such as the buttocks, breasts, or hips or on delicate features such as the lower eyelid, cheeks, lips, or even the hands. Fat grafting and transfers are generally chosen when a patient desires a natural enhancement versus having fillers or implants. Our experienced plastic surgeons at Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center incorporate the most effective methods for performing fat transfers. This body contouring treatment at our Sarasota, FL facility creates smooth and beautiful outcomes.

Fat Transfer in Sarasota

Before and after fat transfer

Am I a good candidate for fat transfer?

Individuals who want additional fullness on the body or face that appear hollow, thin, or deflated may be great candidates for a fat transfer. This procedure is even more advantageous because it offers a natural approach to create results by using the patient’s own fat. This way, there is little worry for rejection. Men and women at Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center considering this treatment must be at a healthy weight and have enough fat to remove for the transfer.

How is fat transfer performed?

During the procedure, you will be placed under some form of anesthesia. The exact type of sedation or numbing medication will be based on how much fat is being extracted and the location where it will be reinstated. First, liposuction is performed via a thin, cannula carefully removing the fat.  It will then be purified and harvested through a centrifuge (which prepares the viable fat for the injecting process). After preparing the injection site, the healthy fat tissue will be injected into the area that needs volume. The injection process is performed in layers until even smoothness has been attained. For certain body parts, multiple injections will be needed.

What can I expect during and after fat transfer?

Following this procedure, you will enter a healing period. Keep in mind there are at least two sites on the body that require healing: the extraction area and injection location. The overall recovery may last longer if a larger section on the body was addressed. For example, a fat transfer for lip enlargement will generally only require a 1 – 2-day recovery, whereas a transfer to a more widespread area, such as the breast or buttocks, can take much longer. The sites will appear red and slightly swollen, but the results can be seen fairly quickly. An additional bonus is the area where fat was extracted will appear slimmer. A fat transfer yields great results, but there will be some resorption back to the body. For some, a future transfer may be needed down the road. There is minimal scarring associated with this procedure.

Before and after hand rejuvenation

FAQs About Sarasota, FL, Fat transfer

Your cost for a fat transfer will vary depending on several factors. For transfers to the butt or breasts, a higher volume of fat is needed, thus more liposuction may be necessary and a longer process is performed to purify the fat and inject it accordingly. Smaller treatments, such as adding facial volume, take less fat and time. The volume amount needed to reach your goals will be explained during your consultation at our facility, along with pricing estimates and payment options for you to consider.

Fat can be transferred almost anywhere on your face or body that you want to add volume. Some of the most common areas are the buttocks (often known as a Brazilian butt lift), face, hands, and breasts. A fat transfer may be combined with breast implants or breast reconstruction to achieve your desired results. Age-related volume loss in the face and hands can also be corrected with a fat transfer, particularly in the hollows under the eyes or to add shape to your lips. Talk to your Sarasota plastic surgeon during your consultation about where you would like to add volume so they can create your custom fat transfer plan.

Fat transfers create natural-looking results that can last for a long time with proper care. Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center uses the latest techniques to purify and graft fat that minimize reabsorption. However, there is usually still a small amount of fat that does not attach to its new location, so more fat than needed is typically added to the area. If you want to enhance or touch-up your results after a few years, a second fat transfer procedure may be performed.

Depending on the area that needs volume, there may be an alternative to a fat transfer. In your buttocks and breasts, augmentation surgery with an implant may be performed instead of a fat transfer. In your face and hands, Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center offers several injectable fillers for long-lasting rejuvenation and volume. During your consultation all of the various options will be discussed so you can have the results that match your goals.

In your initial consultation, your Sarasota plastic surgeon will discuss about how much fat is needed to achieve your goals. In some cases, you may not have enough fat for the transfer, but this is typically only an issue if you have a very low body fat percentage or you want a large volume of fat added to one area. Fat can be removed from multiple areas or supplemented with donor fat.

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