What is Fat Transfer?
When certain parts of the body lack fat and require additional volume for aesthetic purposes, Dr. Erik Nuveen and Dr. Courtney Caplin, the skilled cosmetic surgeons of Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates in Oklahoma City may recommend fat grafting (also called a fat transfer surgery or fat injections). For this procedure, fat is removed through liposuction or a small needle and the fat is then processed to clean it. Afterwards, the fat is injected into areas like the buttocks, breasts or face. For the face, fat grafting can be used to fill in lines, wrinkles, folds and hollow areas that can age a patient. Since the patient’s own fat is used, the procedure is more natural and produces more realistic-looking results.
Fat Transfer Reviews
What Are the Benefits of a Fat Transfer?
Fat transfers provide many exceptional advantages to improve and reinvigorate your look as an alternative to synthetic dermal fillers. The perks of a fat transfer in Oklahoma City, OK at Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates include:
- Results have a natural look and feel
- Offers a more natural solution
- Extracts unwanted fat in troublesome body parts (back, thighs, abdomen, and more)
- Less invasive than other cosmetic surgery procedures
- Faster recovery time
- Replaces lost volume for a younger look (face, hands)
- Little chance of scarring
- Augments desired body areas (breasts, buttocks, lips, cheeks)
- Safer than implants given that it utilizes the body’s natural fat
- Remodels and sculpts the body
- Brings out natural curves
Fat Transfer Surgical Technique
During this procedure, fat is removed from the donor sites via liposuction. An antibiotic solution is used which allows for a complete separation of the fat so that only healthy tissue is used for reinjection. This fat is prepared in syringes and slowly reinstated into the body part where shape and contour are needed. During the injection process, the area will be slowly massaged so the fat deposits settle in compact layers for the best contour finish possible. Normally, multiple injections are necessary to create an even spread of fat and achieve an ideal outcome.
What to Expect During and After a Fat Transfer
Fat transfer treatment is performed with general anesthesia when it covers larger areas while local anesthesia or IV sedation is used if the area to be treated is small. Both methods will be treated as an outpatient treatment at an accredited surgical facility. The procedure will cause swelling and bruising on both the removal and injection sites. These side effects will subside in a few days. Recovery time depends on several factors, including how many body parts were involved in the surgery, as well as how much fat was transferred. Scarring is generally minimal with this procedure as the incisions made are just big enough for the cannula to be inserted.
Fat Transfer Expected Cost
The cost for a fat transfer will vary. Again, it will depend on the size of the area treated and how much fat was removed and transferred. For most cases the price is $3,385, and can go as high as $11,000.
**Fee's that are posted are subject to change. No doctor/patient relationship is established until exam. Consent in perpetuity until canceled in writing.
Fat Transfer FAQs
How Long do the Results Last?
A fat transfer procedure can give results that will last for years. While the concern of fat reabsorption is something to consider, a skilled surgeon will be able to maximize the outcome by using the tested techniques in terms of fat layering. There is an ongoing research study that promises long-term stability of these grafted fat tissues, which involves Platelet Rich Plasma to enhance fat cells before transplanting them into the body.
Loss of Volume?
When properly performed, a fat transfer can last a long time. In areas where the fat does get resorbed, the area can continue to be tweaked. For patients who want to continue to have volume enhancement, but desire natural results (i.e., lip enhancement), this is an ideal procedure. This is especially the case for those who are not comfortable using an implant.
What About Scarring?
Scarring is minimal during a fat transfer procedure. Any scars that remain will be small (either where the cannula or the syringe was inserted for the transfer). The incisions are usually placed in areas where they can be concealed by clothing.
Other Treatments?
For loss of facial volume, there are treatments that may be considered that will also produce positive results. For wrinkle problems, an injectable filler may be suitable. These fillers may include collagen or hyaluronic acid. For long-term results, patients may consider PMMA, an injectable filler that offers a semi-permanent solution. Every option can be discussed in detail during the initial consultation.
