FAT TRANSFER

Autologous Fat Grafting, also know as Fat Transfer, involves harvesting the patient’s fat from one area of the body and injecting it into another part of the body. This is done to restore lost volume, to balance facial features, to change the contour of specific body parts, and can aid with some scars and radiation changes in the skin for cancer patients. As individuals age, it is common for the fullness in the face to be lost or sag along the jaw line and around the mouth. Adding volume to the cheek bones can create a more youthful appearance. Patient also choose this procedure following major weight loss as the volume has shifted from their face and they feel their appearance has hollowed.

There are many similarities and differences between adding volume with fat verses using injectable fillers or implants. In some circumstances similar results can be achieved using each of these methods. The benefits of using fat include no artificial or foreign body is left behind in your body, the results are long lasting and patients are able to retain most of the fat injected long term, and there is typically little to no scarring after this in office procedure.

If the idea of a more youthful, full face or lips appeals to you, you should consider a fat grafting. You may be a good candidate for fat transfer if you are a relatively healthy adult at a stable weight who is looking to change the appearance of an area by adding volume. It is vital that you have realistic expectations and a positive outlook. Patients typically have very small incisions or small punch wholes that allow for the removal and replacement of fat that do not require sutures.

BENEFITS OF SURGERY

• Restores volume
• Using your own natural tissue
• Creates a more youthful look
• Improves the contour of a desired area

WHAT TO EXPECT

Once the decision is made to move forward with surgery, our team will schedule a pre-procedure visit and select your surgery date. A fat transfer will be performed under local anesthesia, meaning the area being treated will be numbed. You may take some medication orally, if instructed by your care team, to help you feel relaxed for the surgery. Surgery typically takes about two hours to complete. You will go home the same day as surgery to recover. Depending on the area being treated, we may recommend you plan for extra help around the house for the days following your procedure as you adjust and recover. Recovery for each patient varies and depends on your lifestyle.

YOUR CONSULTATION FOR FAT TRANSFER

If you are considering fat grafting or wondering if it may be the right procedure for you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Szymanski to review your goals and desired results. It is important that you understand and have realistic expectations for the procedure before moving forward. During your appointment, Dr. Szymanski may have you undress to more fully evaluate the area and talk through you concerns. 

Deciding if a plastic surgery procedure is the right choice for you is your individual decision. We want you to feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. Before your first consultation with our office, we recommend you write down any questions you have and bring your list with you. It can also be beneficial to bring someone with you who is supportive and a good listener. If you find you have a lot of questions after your consultation, a second appointment to address your questions with Dr. Szymanski is always an option.