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Fat Transfer (“Autologous Fat Grafting” or “Fat Transplantation”)

The fat transfer technique is continuing to gain momentum as a leading cosmetic solution. This is because it can benefit various areas of the body, including features of the face and body. At Elán Institute for Plastic Surgery, men and women can learn about their options with this modern technique. Dr. Jazayeri can use fat to provide a more youthful appearance and/or to correct a deformity by increasing the volume of subcutaneous fat (fat that sits just beneath the skin).

This process entails extraction of fat cells from one area of the body and injecting it into another. The advantage of this procedure is being able to enhance a particular region of the body by using a natural “filler” (which may result in permanent correction). Fat injections can be used for lip augmentation, filling nasolabial folds (cheek lines), and rejuvenating the hands. However, fat can be injected to virtually any part of the body to correct deformities or enhance the area.

You may be a good candidate for the fat transfer method if you are physically healthy and of relatively normal weight, and are realistic in your expectations and goals. If you have a history of poor wound healing, you may not qualify for the fat transfer technique. During your consultation, you will be evaluated and Dr. Jazayeri will determine if fat transfer is right for you.

Details of the Fat Transfer Procedure

The redistribution of fat entails a two-part process; the fat from the patient’s body is taken via liposuction from one area before being injected into another. Therefore, an advantage of the fat transfer procedure is the fact that the patient is able to eliminate unwanted pockets of excess fat in addition to having another area enhanced.

After using liposuction to remove fat cells from certain areas from the body, the cells will be harvested, and then injected as a filler to a specific area of the face or body. The fat transfer procedure is typically performed with the use of a local anesthetic with sedation for large amounts of fat, and smaller amounts may only require local anesthesia. The amount of time fat grafting takes depends on the extent of the procedure. Typically, however, it can take up to a few hours.

The first part of the procedure involves suctioning fat from the donor area. Depending on where you store excess pockets of fat and where you want to slim down, Dr. Jazayeri will remove fat cells with a specialized syringe from the region, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. Next, the harvested fat cells will need to be isolated from the other fluids that were initially collected by spinning the collected tissue very quickly, or centrifuging the collected tissue. After this process is complete, Dr. Jazayeri can use these isolated cells to inject them in a particular area, where a filler is needed. A separate, smaller hypodermic needle is used for injection.

Recovery

Although there is the risk that fat cells can be reabsorbed by the body, the outcome of fat grafting is typically a success, providing long-lasting results if you are committed to a healthy lifestyle. You should be able to enjoy your new look for at least three months to about three years, or more, before opting for additional treatment. Depending on the area, up to 60 percent of fat cells may be re-absorbed. Dr. Jazayeri typically will over-correct these areas, anticipating some fat loss. However, secondary procedures may be necessary to obtain the final result. It is important to follow Dr. Jazayeri’s instructions regarding this procedure. Ice packs or cold packs may or may not be recommended for the first 24 to 48 hours of your surgery. If you receive fat injections in your facial skin, you should avoid wearing cosmetics for several days.

You may experience mild or moderate bruising, while swelling may be moderate to severe. But this is short-lived, lasting anywhere from one to three days. All side effects should have completely subsided between two and four weeks.