It is very common to want to move fat from one place on your body to another. In fact, this seems like the perfect solution to fix “problem areas!” This popular procedure is called a “fat transfer.”
A fat transfer is perhaps the safest way to enhance areas of your body, since you are using your own fat and there is zero chance of the body rejecting it. As well, since the enhancement is accomplished with the help of healthy, living tissue, the results are particularly long-lasting and natural looking.
What Is a Fat Transfer?
A fat transfer procedure involves taking viable, healthy fat cells from one area of the body and transferring, or moving, them to another area of the body. This is a safe and popular procedure that gives your body its best chances of the healthiest and most organic outcome.
While a fat transfer can be done on any area of the body, one of the most popular places for a fat transfer is to the face. As an example, you can take fat from the thighs (a place many patients want to reduce in size) and move or transfer it to the face.
Why Have a Fat Transfer to the Face?
At some point in life, the natural process of aging begins for each of us. When this occurs, it is often the vulnerable, exposed skin of the face and neck that shows signs of the aging process most visibly.
The reason for this is simple: the skin on the face and neck is less protected from ultraviolet sunlight, wind, environmental toxins and simple gravity. As well, the skin’s production of collagen, the protein responsible for giving skin its plump, vibrant, youthful appearance, lessens naturally over time.
By having a fat transfer to the face, you can reverse the signs of aging and restore the appearance of vibrant youth back into the area of the face and neck.
How Does a Fat Transfer Procedure Happen?
A fat transfer is a type of liposuction that is done as one all-inclusive procedure, since the fat being transferred is living, viable tissue that needs to be transferred as rapidly as possibly from one area of the body to the other.
First, the fat is removed from the chosen area with the help of a thin tube called a cannula. Next, the fat is processed for purity. Finally, the fat is grafted, or placed, at the chosen location using small, thin injection needles.
During the procedure, local anesthetic will be used as needed to keep the patient comfortable throughout.
Where Can Fat Be Taken From On the Body?
There are a number of potential sites where the fat can be harvested for a fat transfer procedure. Perhaps the most common sites include the belly, thighs, buttocks and abdominal areas.
The best sites will also have areas where the skin is a bit looser to make it easier to obtain and remove the fat being transferred.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Fat Transfer?
The best candidate for a fat transfer procedure is someone who is in good health in all other ways. For women, it can be important to be finished having children and breastfeeding to ensure the most consistent and long-lasting results.
It is also important to have viable sites on the body where the fat can be taken. Luckily, you don’t have to have a lot of excess fat for a facial fat transfer – often minor amounts of viable fat can make a measurable difference in facial rejuvenation!
Your initial consultation with your chosen surgeon is the time to discuss whether you are a good candidate for a facial fat transfer procedure. You can talk about your questions, concerns and appearance goals, and your surgeon will use computer imaging to help you visualize the possibilities post-procedure.
What Risks or Side Effects Can Occur With a Fat Transfer?
All surgical procedures come with some mild risks and side effects. The most common risks relate to the incision points, and include swelling, bleeding, infection, scarring and slow healing. There is also a risk of uneven results.
It is important to let your surgeon know about all medications and supplements you are taking, as well as past individual or family health issues that may impact your recovery and the outcome of the facial fat transfer procedure.
How to Prepare for a Facial Fat Transfer?
Making the decision to schedule a facial fat transfer procedure can be exciting! To ensure the very best outcome, you will want to know how to prepare.
Your surgeon will give you preoperative and post-operative instructions, and you will want to follow those precisely. You can prepare by staying in good shape, getting sufficient rest, staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet.
You may also want to reduce or cease use of nicotine and alcohol prior to your procedure to give your body its best chance to heal quickly and fully.
How Soon Will Results Be Visible?
You can expect any temporary swelling or bruising to recede after the first few days. It may take several weeks to see the full results of your facial fat transfer.
About the Aesthetic Surgery Center
Drs. Agarwal, Maloney and Gill are the medical directors for the Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples, Florida. Dr. Agarwal and Dr. Maloney are board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology and specialize in treatment of the face and neck.
Dr. Gill is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Gill has a dual certification in facial, breast and body aesthetic surgery.
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