What Is A Fat Transfer?
When a man or woman loses weight or moves through the normal aging process, they lose that smooth and plump look in specific body areas where volume once resided. A terrific way to regain this lost volume is through a cosmetic treatment known as fat grafting (a fat transfer). A fat transfer removes fat from a section on the body and injects it into another area that needs additional volume. Fat transfer procedures can be used on large areas, such as the buttocks, or on delicate and smaller features, such as the laugh lines or cheeks. Fat grafting and transfers are generally chosen when an individual desires a natural enhancement vs. using implants or fillers. Our Scottsdale, AZ board-certified plastic surgeons incorporate the most effective grafting techniques for performing fat transfers. This procedure at Forma Plastic Surgery creates gorgeous, soft outcomes.
What are the Benefits of Getting a Fat Transfer?
Here at Forma Plastic Surgery, we encourage our patients to consider getting a fat transfer done if they are interested in the following benefits:
Am I A Good Candidate For A Fat Transfer?
Individuals who want more fullness in areas of the body that appear visibly thin or deflated may be appropriate candidates for the fat transfer procedure. This specialized enhancement may be especially desired because it offers a natural approach to create results by incorporating the patient’s fat tissue. Therefore, there is less risk or concern for rejection than implants or other alternative. Patients at Forma Plastic Surgery considering this procedure must be at a certain weight and have enough fat to extract for the transfer.
What to Expect with Fat Transfer
If you experience hollow cheeks or deflated regions of the body, fat transfer is a natural treatment option for adding volume to these areas. Using unwanted fat from another part of your body, we can purify and inject it into the cheeks or buttocks. During a visit to Forma Plastic Surgery, our plastic surgeons will create a surgical plan that outlines the techniques, anesthesia type, and any fees associated with the treatment.
A fat transfer procedure includes a combination of liposuction, spinning the fat removed, and injecting the fat into the designated areas needing added volume. These steps are repeated until reaching the desired volume. A traditional tumescent liposuction is used for this type of procedure. In general, the fat transfer sites will be slightly “over-filled” as the body will reabsorb some of the fat during healing.
After a fat transfer, you will go through a healing phase. Remember, you have at least two sites on the body that require healing: the area involving liposuction and the injection sites. The recovery process might last longer if we addressed a larger area on the body. At first, the sites will appear swollen and red, but you can experience results almost immediately. An additional bonus is the area that involved fat removal will appear slimmer. A fat transfer produces natural-looking results; however, you will have some reabsorption back to the body. In some patients, an additional transfer may be necessary later on.
Fat transfer FAQs
How much does a fat transfer cost?
The cost of a fat transfer varies depending on many factors. Our professionals at Forma Plastic Surgery can provide an accurate estimate during a comprehensive consultation. We can review information about payment methods, insurance coverage, and financing options so you can make the best decision for your needs.
How long do the results of a fat transfer last?
A fat transfer offers beautiful, effective results that can be lasting with proper care at home. Our board-certified plastic surgeons use advanced methods to purify and graft fat in a way that minimizes reabsorption. Patients are welcome to return for touch-ups as needed to maintain their outcomes long-term.
What if I don’t have enough fat for a transfer?
Some men and women don’t have enough excess fat for a fat transfer procedure in Scottsdale, AZ. Fortunately, not much fat is needed to create a subtle improvement in areas like the face and buttocks. If you don’t have enough fat, our plastic surgeon can help you explore other options.
Can physical activity affect the results of a fat transfer?
Yes, physical activity can affect the results of a fat transfer, especially during the initial healing phase. It’s important to avoid strenuous activities that might disrupt the newly transferred fat. Our team at Forma Plastic Surgery will provide detailed guidance on the type and extent of physical activities that are safe to resume, and when it’s appropriate to do so, ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of your fat transfer results.
Are there any dietary recommendations to follow before or after a fat transfer?
Before a fat transfer, maintaining a stable weight is key, so we recommend a balanced diet to ensure enough healthy fat is available for the procedure. Post-procedure, a healthy diet can aid in recovery and enhance the overall results. Our nutrition guidelines are designed to support your healing process and help maintain the results of your fat transfer.
How does aging affect the results of a fat transfer?
While fat transfer results can be long-lasting, aging can naturally alter its outcomes. Factors like skin elasticity, muscle tone, and fat distribution change over time, which can impact the appearance of the transferred fat. Our board-certified plastic surgeons at Forma Plastic Surgery consider these factors when performing the procedure and may recommend follow-up treatments or touch-ups to maintain the desired results as you age.
Take the Natural Approach
If you wish to add volume to your face and/or buttocks while decreasing unwanted fat from other areas of your body, this treatment may be a great option. This procedure can help you achieve the look you want without pursuing a major surgery that might require a long recovery period or associated downtime. We welcome you to call our team and schedule a consultation at Forma Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ.
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*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.
