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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.
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 procedure. This procedure is even more advantageous because it offers a natural approach to create results by using the patient’s own fat cells. 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.
Many doctors perform cosmetic and plastic surgery in Sarasota. However, if you’re pursuing a result that only a handful of doctors in the world can achieve, you will want to enlist the help of Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center’s renowned plastic surgeons. Our top-rated surgeons have a delicate touch, vast experience, and an aesthetic eye. Known throughout Florida for their exceptional and natural results, the SPSC board-certified and board-eligible physicians have the highest possible credentials and training.
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 excess 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 fat injection process is performed in layers until even smoothness has been attained. For certain body parts, multiple fat 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.
Fat Transfer FAQs
