WHAT IS FAT TRANSFER?
When weight fluctuates or moves throughout the normal aging process, many people lose shape and fullness in specific body features where volume once existed. One way to restore volume that has been lost is through an aesthetic procedure known as a fat transfer, which extracts fat from one place on the body and transfers it into another area that could benefit from additional volume. A fat transfer can be performed on large areas such as the buttocks or breasts or on smaller, delicate features, such as the laugh lines, lips, cheeks, or under the eyelids. Fat transfers are commonly chosen when someone prefers a natural enhancement rather than implants or fillers. our plastic surgeon Dr. Tyler Frew uses the most effective liposuction and grafting methods when performing fat transfers in Murrieta, CA. This cosmetic enhancement at Tyler Frew MD, Plastic Surgery helps to create soft, gorgeous outcomes.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A FAT TRANSFER?
Fat transfers in Murrieta, CA offer a wide range of great aesthetic and functional benefits, including:
- Diminishing the signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines on the face
- Enhancing the breasts, buttocks, lips, and cheeks
- Replenishing lost volume in the face and hands due to aging or other factors
- Reducing unwanted fat in problem areas like the stomach, hips, thighs, and back
- Improving the contour and shape of the body
- Producing results that look and feel more natural
- Less invasive than plastic surgery
- Safer than implants because it uses the body’s own fat
- Recovery time is quicker
- Scarring is minimal
AM I AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR A FAT TRANSFER?
People who want more fullness in areas of the body that appear visibly thin or deflated may be great candidates for the fat grafting (transfer) procedure at Tyler Frew MD, Plastic Surgery. This procedure is popular because it provides a natural way to create results by using autologous fat tissue. This way, there is little worry of rejection. Patients considering this procedure should be at a healthy weight and should have enough fat to extract for the transfer.
HOW IS FAT TRANSFER SURGERY PERFORMED?
During this procedure, patients will be put under some form of anesthesia. The exact type of sedation or anesthesia will depend on how much fat is being removed and the area where it will be reinstated. Dr. Frew performs liposuction first using a special thin cannula to precisely extract the fat so that it can be harvested and separated through a centrifuge (which prepares the viable fat for syringes). Next, Dr. Frew will inject the extracted fat into the desired body area, doing so in layers until the desired outcome has been attained. For some areas, multiple injections will be needed.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER A FAT TRANSFER?
Following this procedure, you will need time to heal. Keep in mind that there are two different areas on your body that need to be cared for carefully: the liposuction site and the injection site. The recovery process may last longer if a larger area of the body was addressed. For example, a fat transfer for lip augmentation will typically only require a 1 – 2-day recovery period, whereas a transfer to a larger body part, such as the breast or buttocks, could take weeks to recover. The treatment sites will likely be swollen with some possible bruising, but patients usually notice the results almost immediately. An added bonus is the liposuction site should look slimmer. This procedure often yields awesome, lasting results, but some fat will reabsorb back into the body. Some patients may need an additional transfer later on. There is minimal scarring associated with this procedure.
FAT TRANSFER FAQ
How much does a fat transfer cost?
The cost of fat transfer procedures varies greatly depending on many factors. In fat transfers to the breasts or butt, a larger volume of fat is needed, so surgical liposuction is used, as well as a lengthier process for fat purification and grafting. Smaller treatments, like adding facial volume, require less fat and time. During your consultation with Dr. Frew, he’ll discuss the amount of volume needed to achieve your needs and goals, along with pricing estimates and payment options for you to consider.
Where can I have fat transferred?
Fat can be transferred for our Murrieta, CA patients almost anywhere on your face or body where you want to add volume. A few of the most popular areas are the butt (typically called the Brazilian butt lift), face, breasts, and hands. Fat grafting might be performed alongside breast reconstruction or augmentation with implants to fix irregularities. Age-related volume loss in the face and hands can also be improved with fat grafting, especially to add shape to your lips or the hollow area under your eyes. Talk to Dr. Frew in your consultation about where you want to make improvements so he can create your custom fat transfer treatment plan.
How long will the results of a fat transfer last?
The results of a fat transfer tend to look natural and can be long-lasting with proper care. Dr. Frew employs advanced methods to graft fat, which limits reabsorption. Although there is generally still a certain amount of the transferred fat that does not attach to its new location, Dr. Frew often adds slightly more fat than is needed. If you want to enhance or touch up your appearance after a while, another fat transfer can be discussed.
Are there any alternative treatments to a fat transfer?
Based on where you want to add fat, there may be an alternative treatment option. For your breasts and buttocks, Dr. Frew may be able to surgically place implants instead of grafting fat. For your face and hands, Tyler Frew MD, Plastic Surgery offers multiple dermal fillers for long-term rejuvenation and volume. Dr. Frew will explain all of your options in your first appointment so you can get your desired results.
What if I don’t have enough fat for a transfer?
During your initial consultation with Dr. Frew, he’ll go over the amount of fat needed to meet your goals. You might not have enough excess fat for the transfer; however, this is usually only a concern for those with a very low body fat percentage or those who want a large volume of fat added to one area. Fat may be removed from multiple areas or combined with donor fat. Dr. Frew will explain your options during your consultation.
TAKE THE NATURAL APPROACH
If you desire fuller lips or want to soften hollow areas or lines, a fat transfer at Tyler Frew MD, Plastic Surgery may be a great option. Furthermore, this procedure can often work great for parts of the body, such as breasts. This treatment offers many alternatives for enhancement and may be able to help you achieve the look you’ve wished for without needing major surgery that requires a long recovery period. We welcome you to contact us in Murrieta, CA to schedule your fat transfer consultation with Dr. Frew.
