Fat Transfer

Fat Transfer (Fat Grafting) – Fort Worth, TX

Overview

Fat transfer surgery, also known as fat grafting, combines liposuction to remove fat from areas of the body with too much and transplants the purified fat to an area of the body with too little to create desirable body contours. The expert plastic surgeons at Fort Worth Plastic Surgery can remove fat from many areas of the body, but typically the stomach and thighs are chosen, which slims the body in areas you want to be smaller. Then, the fat is purified and prepared to be added to the desired areas of the body, such as the cheeks, lips, breasts, and butt (transferring fat to the butt is also called a Brazilian butt lift). Fat transfer surgery is safe and effective since it uses the patient’s own fat instead of an implant or filler, but some of the fat may be re-absorbed by the body and eliminated over time.

Surgical Technique

During the consultation, the surgeon and patient will discuss what donor sites will be most suitable and desirable for fat removal. During surgery, fat is removed from the donor site using a cannula. The tissue will then be separated and purified so that only the healthy fat tissue remains for transplantation. The fat will be placed in a syringe and augmented into the transfer site. The surgeon will simultaneously massage the area so that the fat settles where needed to create a satisfactory, smooth shape and contour. Multiple injections are usually needed.

During/After Surgery

A fat transfer is considered an outpatient procedure and is performed at an accredited surgical facility. In most cases, especially where larger injection areas are concerned, general anesthesia will be used. For smaller areas, such as the lips, the surgeon will use a local anesthetic. After the procedure, the fat removal areas, as well as the injection sites may be swollen and red. This will subside in a short time. This procedure continues to be popular among patients because it offers little risk and little downtime, while delivering great results.

Fat Transfer FAQs

– Long Lasting Results

When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, a fat transfer can result in an enhanced appearance that can last for years. While some of the fat will be reabsorbed back into the body, a skilled fat transfer expert will understand the proper mechanism behind creating a result that will last. There are new modern techniques available to help lengthen the life of the transferred fat cells. Plasma Rich Plasma is an example of this. When added to the transferred fat, it can increase the cell survival. This is a therapy that is still being studied.

– One-Time Surgery?

A fat transfer typically results in long-lasting fullness. However, because a portion of the transferred fat will be reabsorbed into the body over time, some of the results may diminish. The good news is that this is a procedure that can be performed again very easily, resulting in additional body contouring and enhancement.

– Alternative Procedures

While fat transfers produce great results for many patients, there are other alternatives that some may consider. Luckily, the market for injectables is wide and diverse. An injection, such as BOTOX®, may produce the results some patient’s desire — especially where wrinkle correction is concerned. For patients desiring volume, there are countless filler products that offer many different choices and options. Some fillers, including collagen and hyaluronic acid, offer temporary outcomes, while the heaviest of fillers, PMMA, offer lasting results.

Fat Transfer

Average Cost
Available upon request
Recovery Time
1 Week
Avg Procedure Time
1 Hour
Post-Op Follow-Up
1 Week
Recovery Location
Out-Patient