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Am I a Good Candidate for Fat Grafting?
The best candidates for fat grafting will have enough excess fat on other areas of the body to use for the transfer. The most common donor sites are the abdomen, flanks (love handles), and inner or upper thighs. Patients must be prepared to have liposuction on one of these areas in order to obtain the fat cells. This allows patients to slim one area of the body and enhance another at the same time.
The Fat Grafting Procedure
No matter where you are choosing to have a fat grafting procedure, the process will begin by obtaining the fat cells. For this step, liposuction will be used in the appropriate donor area. Tiny incisions will then be made where a cannula can be inserted, breaking up and removing the stubborn fat cells. Those fat cells will then be collected and processed in a centrifuge. This ensures that only pure fat cells are filtered out and used for placement. The fat will then be transferred to the target area. This is done using small incisions and a blunt tip cannula. A small amount of fat is placed in several points across the area to ensure precise and even distribution.
How Our Surgeons Use Fat Grafting
Using the patient’s own fat cells, a fat graft, or fat transfer can be used as an alternative to implants or facial fillers. By using your own natural fat cells, a subtle enhancement is achieved for long-lasting results.
Our surgeons are experts in body contouring and using fat grafting to enhance the results of cosmetic procedures.
Breast
Breast fat transfer can offer a more natural solution. The fat transfer can add subtle volume and enhance contour and symmetry to the breasts. Breast fat grafting can also be used in combination with breast implants or a breast lift for optimal improvements. Fat grafting to the breasts is also frequently used during breast reconstruction to restore the natural breast mound after a mastectomy for breast cancer treatment or to correct a genetic abnormality.
Face
Volume loss is a natural part of the aging process and can result in facial wrinkles, folds, hollowed cheeks, and sunken undereyes. Fat grafting can be used to fill in wrinkles and folds or to enhance the natural facial features as an alternative to dermal fillers. Facial fat grafting is a great alternative for those who are not candidates for dermal filler formulas and who may not be ready for a complete surgical make-over. Facial fat grafting can also be used in combination with surgical procedures like the facelift or brow lift for optimal rejuvenation.
Body
A body fat graft can be used to subtly sculpt and enhance certain features of the body. The most common use for a body fat graft is during the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). The Brazilian Butt Lift involves several injections of the patient’s natural fat cells into the buttocks, improving size, shape, symmetry, and overall proportion. This can help the patient achieve a more balanced figure and avoid the need for large incisions with implants.
Recovery from Fat Grafting
The recovery process will vary depending on where the fat grafting was performed. Patients can expect two recovery sites; the donor site and the placement site. Some swelling, bruising, and general discomfort can be expected in both of these areas and can be controlled with pain medication and an ice pack. The most important part of the recovery process will involve avoiding any pressure to the transfer site. For a breast fat transfer, this will require no laying on the stomach. Putting any pressure on the transfer site could cut off the blood supply to the new fat cells, causing them to die.
MD Plastic Surgery will make sure you have all the necessary post-op care instruction and restrictions when you leave your procedure. It is important to follow these carefully and take the necessary time off work to properly recover. After your recovery process, you can anticipate a natural-looking enhancement that is long-lasting!
If you’re ready to add natural fullness to your face, body, or breasts, contact our office about a fat grafting procedure in Scottsdale, AZ. We can set up your consultation with one of our board certified plastic surgeons at MD Plastic Surgery to go over your treatment options in more detail.
Dr. Geoghegan is the sweetest human ever. She’s so caring and really wants to help you achieve your plastic surgery goals. Sophia, the practice manager, was super friendly and answered all my questions with ease. Michelle at the front desk is so sweet and happy to assist. Highly recommend this beautiful practice.
- Crystal
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Gawley’s board-certified experts make a serious commitment to helping you get the results you want and the care you need. We combine our cutting-edge technology and top-of-the-line procedures with expertise and genuine compassion to help you reach your aesthetic goals while giving you the most comfortable experience possible.
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Dr. Bryan Gawley, MD, FACS
Founder, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Jennifer Geoghegan, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
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We make a serious commitment to helping you get the results you want and the care you need. We combine our cutting-edge technology and top-of-the-line procedures with expertise and genuine compassion to help you reach your aesthetic goals while giving you the most comfortable experience possible.
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