Fat transfer or fat grafting is a safe and minimally invasive surgical procedure typically done for aesthetic purposes to treat volume loss in the body.
Along with lifestyle and genetic factors such as acne, stress, and rapid weight loss, volume loss in the face and body can lead to a haggard and tired appearance.
Fat transfer is also done to enhance or plump up areas of the body, such as the lips, hips, buttocks, hands, and breasts. Besides offering a natural-looking facial rejuvenation, this procedure can also enhance the cheekbones, smooth out wrinkles anywhere on the body, remove facial scars, or even create an hourglass shape. The results are permanent, although it may take up to six months to see the best results, as it takes time for the newly injected fat cells to develop a new blood supply.
During a fat transfer procedure, the surgeon uses liposuction to extract fat from areas such as the hips, thighs, or stomach, then puts it through a purification process. The purified fat is injected into the desired body areas.
It is typically done as an outpatient procedure, where local anaesthesia is administered to numb the area and minimise pain and discomfort. The duration of a fat transfer procedure depends on the body area and how much fat needs to be transferred. For example, the procedure will last less than an hour if fat transfer is conducted on the lips. However, if fat transfer or lipofilling is performed on the buttocks or breasts, it may take up to three or four hours.
Fat transfer or fat grafting can be used to treat the following conditions:
A fat transfer/fat grafting procedure is highly individualised as it depends on the individual’s personal goals. Choosing a surgeon who is experienced and skilled at this procedure is essential as it involves expertise, experience, and accuracy.
During the initial consultation, let your surgeon know your concerns and what you wish to achieve with this procedure. They will take a detailed medical history and let you know if you are a suitable candidate for this procedure. Once a treatment plan is in place and the procedure has been carried out, you can expect to see the results you had previously discussed with your surgeon.
Initially, after the procedure, you may experience swelling, bruising, numbness, and pain for the first few weeks. Depending on the areas where fat transfer or fat grafting was carried out and the nature of your job, you may need to take a week or two off work while you recover.
However, you may only see the best results six months after the procedure, as it takes time for the fat cells to adapt to the new body area. If you had a facial fat transfer, you can expect smoother skin and a more rejuvenated appearance with fewer wrinkles and lines. If the goal was to plump the skin or add volume in areas such as the buttocks or breasts, you would see those results in a few months.
Interested in fat transfer/fat grafting? Our plastic surgeons are highly skilled at this procedure. Book a consultation today to find out more.
It depends on the body area where the fat transfer procedure is conducted. For facial transfers, it may only take one session.
However, it may take two or three sessions for the breasts or other more significant areas of the body. You may also need to attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon so he can advise you on how your skin is healing and if you are achieving the results you desire.
During your consultation, Dr. Andrew Cheah would be happy to tailor the procedure to your specific needs, and achieve for you a youthful, natural looking results.
All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. The procedure should be carried in a safe environment and in an accredited clinic. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome could occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.
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