Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, has become more and more popular in recent years, as newer techniques have been developed. Fat transfer involves removing fat from one area of a person’s body—such as the thighs, buttocks, or tummy—and injecting it into another area in which greater volume is desired, such as the face, breasts, buttocks, or hands. This is done using a small tube called a cannula which essentially leaves no visible scars.
Fat grafting offers several specific benefits over other types of “fillers”:
The results are generally longer lasting.
Because the tissue is taken directly from the patient into whom it will be injected, there is no risk of the patient having an allergic reaction or rejecting the injected fat cells.
Because some stem cells may be one of the components of the tissue that is injected, there is the possibility of some rejuvenation or regrowth of the tissue in the area treated. Should this occur, along with the increase in volume, there could be an increase in the longevity of the results of the transfer, as well as in the tone and texture of the skin overlaying the area.
If you are generally in good health and have enough fatty tissue in your thighs, buttocks or tummy to remove for the transfer, you may be a candidate for the procedure.
This will be determined by your surgeon during your consultation, during which he will examine you and thoroughly review your medical history.
Using our advanced, gentle liposuction techniques, the needed volume of fat is harvested from the selected donor area. The fat is then treated to separate it from the liposuction fluid and prepared for injection. Once this is complete, the fat is injected into the area requiring more volume by placing small amounts of fat droplets into the tissue of the area being grafted.
Fat transfer can be used in many areas for many purposes including both aesthetic and reconstruction. All areas of the face, breast, and body can potentially be fat transferred including:
As with virtually any procedure, there can be swelling and bruising, both at the liposuction and fat transfer areas. Swelling and bruising may last different lengths of time depending on each individual and how much work was done, but it typically lasts one to two weeks. You may be required to wear a compression garment for some time to reduce swelling, bruising, and expedite healing.
If the buttocks are the injection site, you may be instructed to sit or lie down on the area as little as possible or use ample padding for the first two to four weeks.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons at Arizona Aesthetic Associates perform fat transfer surgery at our Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Gilbert AZ clinics and are known for their exceptional surgical skills. All of the plastic surgeons at Arizona Aesthetic Associates are expertly trained and ready to help you achieve the result that can be attained via fat transfer.
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