What is Fat Grafting?

Fat grafting involves transferring fat from areas of the body in which there is excess fat and injecting it into areas lacking in volume, such as the breasts or buttocks. This procedure is well-tolerated and long-lasting.

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Who is a Good Candidate For Fat Grafting?

Individuals who wish to improve their body contour, fill in bodily depressions, or revise scars can often benefit from body fat grafting at Tucson Plastic Surgery. A consultation with Dr. Kurtovic or Dr. Mahabir is the first step on your plastic surgery journey. During this appointment, you can discuss your aesthetic goals, and ask any questions you may have.

Body Fat Grafting Before & After

Achieve your ideal body with body contouring, fat reduction, and rejuvenation. We offer procedures for every area of the body, including the stomach, thighs, arms, back, and more! View our patient gallery and find a before and after similar to your body type and treatment goals to see what kind of results you can expect from body fat grafting at Tucson Plastic Surgery.

View More Fat Grafting Results

Reviews

You could not dream of a better team than Tucson Plastic Surgery. From the minute you walk in the door, every person you encounter is compassionate and welcoming. For going thro...

— CC

You could not dream of a better team than Tucson Plastic Surgery. From the minute you walk in the door, every person you encounter is compassionate and welcoming. For going through such a scary process, they were patient, informative, and made it so much easier to digest. It truly feels like you have a team fighting for your health and advocating for your well being. Both Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir are caring, confident, and masters of their craft. Doctors and nurses alike were there at the drop of a hat for any issues that arose post-op, and were always more than happy to take calls/emails and reassure me. I felt extremely taken care of and cannot recommend them enough. Bonus: their advocacy efforts are commendable and the office is gorgeous! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The office is beautiful and the staff were very welcoming. I felt instantly at ease with Dr. Mahabir. He listened carefully to my concerns and answered all of my questions. My s...

— DP

The office is beautiful and the staff were very welcoming. I felt instantly at ease with Dr. Mahabir. He listened carefully to my concerns and answered all of my questions. My surgery results were better than I would ever expected. I highly recommend Tucson Plastic Surgery.

I cannot say enough about the level of care and concern from the team at this facility. They were all so kind and patient as they helped me achieve the results I wanted post mas...

— JM

I cannot say enough about the level of care and concern from the team at this facility. They were all so kind and patient as they helped me achieve the results I wanted post mastectomy. They made the experience so much less traumatic then I had anticipated. I was stunned at how amazing I looked post surgery. I would HIGHLY recommend both doctors! They are amazing!

I had the pleasure of working with both Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir for my mastectomy to implant reconstruction and revision with fat grafting. I cannot say enough about Dr. Ku...

— KP

I had the pleasure of working with both Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir for my mastectomy to implant reconstruction and revision with fat grafting. I cannot say enough about Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir along with Virgina and the rest of the Tucson Plastic Surgery staff during what was certainly a fast and frightening year of my life. Both surgeons and staff were so positive, reassuring and compassionate from the minute I walked in for my first consultation. Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir put my nerves at ease with their warm care and attention to detail in every aspect of their practice. I was lucky to have both surgeons of this amazing practice be the lead surgeon of my two procedures. I am so thankful to Tucson Plastic Surgery and the work they do. I am extremely happy with the results, and I can safely say with the help, support and guidance of Dr. Kurtovic, Dr Mahabir and Tucson Plastic Surgery, I’m ready for the next year and to be on the other side. I cannot thank you enough for your care and gratitude.

Met with Dr. Mahabir to discuss reconstruction options. Walking into his lobby, my husband and I immediately found comfort as the area is inviting and beautifully designed!! The...

— MR

Met with Dr. Mahabir to discuss reconstruction options. Walking into his lobby, my husband and I immediately found comfort as the area is inviting and beautifully designed!! The rooms are just as beautiful and tranquil. I loved his confidence and his knowledge in breast reconstruction. He gave me my options and we selected 2! Double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (implants), once I finish chemo, we'll go back in for my final surgery (DIEP flap). Dr. Mahabir was professional, kind and compassionate which is what you want from your surgeon! His staff were also very welcoming and kind. I highly recommend Dr. Mahabir for your reconstruction needs!!

What an amazing surgeon and staff. Dr Mahabir and Nicole Baca were awesome!! My experience with a breast reduction/reconstruction due to breast cancer 17 years ago was perfectio...

— KL

What an amazing surgeon and staff. Dr Mahabir and Nicole Baca were awesome!! My experience with a breast reduction/reconstruction due to breast cancer 17 years ago was perfection. I'm so happy with the results and I'm just 6 weeks out. Did a Tummy Tuck for fun and can't wait to see final results in a few months. Fabulous all the way around from scheduling, to surgery to post op visits. Worth the 5 hour round trip drive from N Scottsdale to Tucson. Thank you...happy beyond words!

Both Dr. Mahabir and Dr. Kurtovic are health care providers who care for patients with dignity, and quality care. My mom was Dr Mahabir's patient, and she was treated with respe...

— AS

Both Dr. Mahabir and Dr. Kurtovic are health care providers who care for patients with dignity, and quality care. My mom was Dr Mahabir's patient, and she was treated with respect, humility and patience as we were trying to understand reconstructive surgery after my mom's breast cancer diagnosis. I am in deep appreciation for Dr. Mahabir and the care he provided to my mom; he practiced active listening, and treated both of us as human beings (something you rarely see in the health care system; especially, managing a cancer diagnosis). All staff at Tucson Plastic Surgery, since the moment you walk in are attentive to patients' needs. Both my mom and I felt welcomed and in positive spirits as soon we walked into Tucson Plastic Surgery's space. I am specially grateful for Virginia Van, Patient Care Coordinator at Tucson Plastic Surgery for always answering our questions promptly, and making sure we fully understood everything regarding my mom's care pre and post surgery. After the cancer diagnosis, every visit with Dr. Mahabir became a positive experience, and a break from the myriad of testing and doctor visits my mom and I had to attend. Tucson Plastic Surgery created a space for my mom and I to find relief and look forward to a life after cancer. Thank you for all your work!

Highly recommend Dr. Mahabir and his team! He listens well, is excellent at what he does and overall my experience was nothing but positive.

— IH

Highly recommend Dr. Mahabir and his team! He listens well, is excellent at what he does and overall my experience was nothing but positive.

Tucson plastic surgery has been so kind to me. From the ladies at the front desk to the surgeons. I felt extremely comfortable around them all. Very professional.

— TR

Tucson plastic surgery has been so kind to me. From the ladies at the front desk to the surgeons. I felt extremely comfortable around them all. Very professional.

I saw Dr. Mahabir for reconstruction surgery after a double mastectomy. His skills are unsurpassed-- I couldn't be happier. His staff is also fantastic: warm, welcoming, knowled...

— SL

I saw Dr. Mahabir for reconstruction surgery after a double mastectomy. His skills are unsurpassed-- I couldn't be happier. His staff is also fantastic: warm, welcoming, knowledgeable. Ten stars.

Nothing but good things! Dr. Mahabir and his staff have been wonderful throughout my surgeries and recovery. I had a preventative double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction ...

— JC

Nothing but good things! Dr. Mahabir and his staff have been wonderful throughout my surgeries and recovery. I had a preventative double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction in June and just this week had an implant exchange. The pre-care and after care has been nothing short of excellent!

I won’t have enough room to say everything good I have to say. Dr Mahabir changed my life. I have lived with neck and upper back pain for over 20 years. It’s gone no...

— DL

I won’t have enough room to say everything good I have to say. Dr Mahabir changed my life. I have lived with neck and upper back pain for over 20 years. It’s gone now. Gone. Thanks to not taking advil for the pain my GERD is gone now too. As a side benefit one of the supplements I was given for better surgery outcomes has virtually eliminated my post nasal drip due to allergies. There is virtually no scars tissue from the procedure. The only thing left after three months are red lines. Much less than I was told to expect. On my skin these red lines will be gone on less than a year. My only regret is that is did not do this procedure sooner. This office is so professional. Staff answer calls immediately. I never felt like I couldn’t call and get answers to questions or concerns. The recovery was a breeze and I did listen to Dr M when he told me not to over do things because I felt so great. I followed directions with great care and had an incredible outcome. Dr M has a detailed preparation and post op protocol. He really knows what he is doing.

Fat Grafting Procedure

During the fat graft procedure, fat is collected from the abdomen, thighs, or other areas of the body using liposuction. It is then injected into specific areas of the body. There are three main steps to the fat grafting procedure, including:

Harvesting

First, you and your plastic surgeon will agree on a site for fat removal. This area will be injected with a local anesthetic, and a small incision will be created through which a cannula connected to a syringe will be inserted. Suction is then used to carefully harvest enough fat for the fat grafting process.

Purification and Grafting

Once the fat is collected, it will be processed to prepare the fat cells for injection. Purification is done by placing the fat cells into a centrifuge, which spins to remove impurities. The purified fat is then transferred into small syringes.

Placement

The area of your body that is being treated will then be prepared for injection. Small syringes will be used to inject a specific amount of fat into the treatment area for the desired outcome. Your plastic surgeon may massage the area that was injected to create the perfect contour.

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Fat Grafting Recovery Process 2-4 Weeks

Following the fat grafting procedure, a bandage or dressing may be placed on the treated area and the area where the fat was taken from. Swelling and bruising may occur during the first week, though they should subside over time. Most people begin to see their results about ten days after treatment when swelling begins to subside. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your incisions during recovery for the best possible results.

The survival of the fat that was transferred will depend on how the fat was harvested and purified and how and where it was injected. When this procedure is done successfully, the injected fat will establish a new blood supply from your body to survive. When this happens, results are often long-lasting or permanent; however, there may be a percentage of fat that does not take.

Body Fat Grafting Frequently Asked Questions

What precautions should be taken after fat grafting?

For the first few days after fat grafting, make sure to take it easy after surgery. Avoid pressure to the area as well as hot or cold compress at this will affect the survival of the delicate fat cells. We also recommend avoiding strenuous exercises and heavy lifting for at least 6-8 weeks after fat grafting.

How long does it take for fat grafting to settle?

It will take about 6-8 weeks or more for the grafted fat to settle and most of the swelling to subside.

What to expect after fat grafting?

For the first few weeks after fat grafting surgery, there will be bruising, swelling, and soreness. These symptoms begin to subside within the first few weeks, but it can take 4-6 weeks for full recovery depending on how much surgery was performed.

Should you massage after fat grafting?

We do not recommend massage of the transplant site since this could shift the fat graft and affect how it settles.

Does fat grafting leave lumps?

Although lumps can develop after fat grafting, our skilled plastic surgeons use the newest and safest techniques to minimize this risk.

How long are you swollen after fat grafting?

Most swelling will improve after a few weeks, and it can take 6-8 weeks for all of the swelling to go down.

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Silvia Kurtovic, MD & Raman Mahabir, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeons

At Tucson Plastic Surgery, we have a patient-centric approach that sets us apart from the rest. Dr. Mahabir and Dr. Kurtovic will take the time to really get to know you and your aesthetic goals during one-on-one conversations which help us to fully understand your motivations.

To schedule a consultation today, call our Tucson, AZ office at 520-415-2420 or use our online scheduling form.

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