Fat Transfer | Tucson, AZ

What is Fat Transfer?

Fat transfer is a procedure that involves transferring fat from one area of the body to another. The goal is to improve or augment that area where the fat is injected. Common areas of the face that can benefit from fat transfer include the cheeks, lips, forehead, and areas between the nose and mouth.

Am I a Good Candidate for Fat Transfer?

Individuals who have sunken or creased areas of their face, or who wish to achieve a more long-lasting correction than is provided by dermal fillers can benefit from fat transfer to the face. This procedure can also improve the appearance of facial creases, laugh lines, smile lines, and crow’s feet. Ideal candidates are in good general health, non smokers with a realistic expectations. The best way to determine if fat transfer is right for you is through a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons.

Fat Transfer Procedure

During the fat transfer procedure, fat is collected from the abdomen, thighs, or other areas of the body using liposuction to be injected into the face. There are three main steps to the fat transfer 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 transfer process.

Purification and Transfer

Once the fat is collected, it will be processed to prepare the fat cells for injection. Using the gravitational filtration method, the purified fat is then transferred into small syringes.

Placement

The area of your face 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 an improved contour.

Fat Transfer Recovery

Following fat transfer, 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. By the third week, makeup can usually be applied to camouflage any swelling or bruising. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to best care for your treatment site during recovery.

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.

Contact Us Today

If you would like to learn more about how fat transfer to the face can help you reach your aesthetic goals, contact Tucson Plastic Surgery today. We will be happy to help you schedule your consultation appointment.