What is Fat Grafting?
Fat grafting involves transferring fat from areas in which there is excess fat and injecting it into areas that are lacking in volume such as the breasts or buttocks. This procedure is well-tolerated and long-lasting with natural-looking results.
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 fat grafting to the body. A consultation with one of our plastic surgeons is needed as the first step on your plastic surgery journey. During this appointment, you can discuss your aesthetic goals, and ask any questions that you may have.
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Fat Grafting Procedure
During the fat grafting procedure, fat is collected from the abdomen, thighs, or other areas of the body using liposuction to be 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. Liposuction will then be used to carefully harvest enough fat for the fat grafting process.
Purification and Transfer
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 a beautiful contour.
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Fat Grafting Recovery
Following fat grafting, a bandage or dressing may be placed on the treated area. Swelling and bruising may occur during the first week, though should subside over time. Most people begin to see their results about 10 days after treatment when swelling begins to subside. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to best care for your treatment site 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.
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.
If you would like to learn more about fat transfer to the body at Tucson Plastic Surgery, contact our office today! We will assist you in scheduling your initial consultation appointment with one of our plastic surgeons.