Fat Transfer

What Is Fat Transfer?

Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is a cosmetic procedure where fat is harvested from one part of the body using liposuction, purified, and then injected into another area to enhance volume and shape. Common areas for harvesting include the abdomen, thighs, and hips, while typical sites for injection are the face, breasts, and other areas of the body. Fat transfer is at times favored for its natural-looking results and compatibility with the body.

• Fat Transfer Benefits
• Fat Transfer Candidates
• Fat Transfer Options
• Fat Transfer Procedure
• Fat Transfer Recovery
• Fat Transfer Results
• Fat Transfer Cost
• Additional Fat Transfer FAQs

What Are the Benefits of Fat Transfer?

When performed by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Andrew Cohen, fat transfer offers several benefits. Primarily, the procedure uses a patient’s own fat to enhance body areas like the face and breasts. Fat grafting can provide more natural-looking results, and since it uses body fat, it simultaneously contours areas where fat is removed. The recovery time is generally shorter and less painful than for more invasive surgeries. Additionally, fat transfer has the potential to improve skin texture and health by adding volume and even enhancing blood circulation in the treated area.

Who Is a Candidate for Fat Transfer?

Ideal candidates for fat transfer are typically individuals who desire natural-looking volume enhancement in areas such as the face, breasts, or body. They should have enough excess fat in donor areas for harvesting. Candidates must be in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and be non-smokers or willing to quit. This treatment may also be suitable for those looking to smooth contour irregularities or restore volume lost due to aging.
A personal consultation with Dr. Cohen can help determine if fat transfer is appropriate for your goals.

Where Are My Fat Transfer Options?

Fat Transfer to the Breasts

Transferring fat to the breasts can act as a more natural alternative to surgical breast augmentation. This procedure can enhance the breasts in a similar way to silicone and saline implants by increasing volume and creating a fuller appearance. Also known as a natural breast augmentation, fat transfer to the breasts may entail a faster recovery process than when implants are used.

Fat Transfer to the Body

The fat grafting process can help create a more shapely or muscular physique and improve the appearance of other body areas. Some patients may choose to have fat transferred to their arms for bulkier biceps and triceps, while others may opt for hand rejuvenation to address lost volume, wrinkled skin, and visible veins. Dr. Cohen utilizes the innovative body-jet^® water-jet to produce the best possible results for patients receiving fat transfer to the hands. The technology pumps water into the area where fat is being removed for a gentler experience. The fat is then easily harvested and re-injected into the hands. This process helps the new fat “take” to its new area.

Fat Transfer to the Face

Facial features that have lost volume and have a hollow-looking appearance may benefit from fat transfer to the face. The procedure can be a valid and natural alternative to a facelift or injectable fillers, and the transferred fat can often produce more youthful results.

What Does the Fat Transfer Procedure Involve?

While the process can be tailored to a patient’s specific needs and aesthetic goals, the fat transfer procedure often involves three main steps.

1. First, fat is harvested from the patient’s body using liposuction, typically from areas with excess fat like the abdomen, thighs, or hips.
2. Next, the extracted fat is purified to isolate viable fat cells.
3. Finally, these processed fat cells are meticulously injected into the target area using specialized techniques to enhance volume and contour.

This procedure not only augments or reshapes the recipient site but also slims down the donor area. The entire process is minimally invasive, promoting a quicker recovery compared to traditional implant surgeries.

What Does the Fat Transfer Recovery Process Entail?

The fat transfer recovery process typically involves mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and discomfort in both the donor and treated areas. Most patients can resume light activities within a week or two, but should avoid strenuous exercise for at least four weeks. Compression garments may be recommended to help reduce swelling and support healing in donor areas. Some of the transferred fat may be naturally reabsorbed by the body, so results can evolve over several weeks. Final outcomes are usually visible after a few months once swelling subsides and the fat settles. Following post-operative instructions closely and attending follow-up appointments can help ensure optimal results and minimize complications. Recovery experiences may vary depending on the treated area and individual healing factors.

How Long Do Fat Transfer Results Last?

Fat transfer results can be long-lasting, with many patients enjoying their enhanced contours for several years. While some of the transferred fat is naturally reabsorbed by the body within the first few months, the fat that successfully integrates typically remains permanently. To help maximize fat survival, patients should follow post-operative instructions, maintain a stable weight, and avoid smoking. Significant weight fluctuations or aging can affect the longevity and appearance of results over time. Though some individuals may choose touch-up procedures to refine their outcome, many are satisfied with the lasting improvement from a single treatment.

How Much Does Fat Transfer Cost?

The cost of fat transfer can vary widely depending on several factors, including:

• The area being treated
• The amount of fat to be transferred
• The complexity of the procedure
• Surgeon’s and anesthesia fees
• If multiple sessions are needed

Once your personalized treatment plan has been developed, a member of our team will provide you with a customized cost. Additionally, we offer financing options through PatientFi^®, CareCredit^®, BLIS^®, and ALPHAEON^™ for eligible applicants to help make the procedure more accessible and payments more manageable.

Additional Fat Transfer Frequently Asked Questions

Are there side effects to fat grafting?

Fat grafting can have side effects, though they are typically mild and temporary. Common side effects include swelling, bruising, soreness, and numbness in both the donor and treated areas. Some of the transferred fat may not survive, leading to partial volume loss over time. Rare complications include infection, asymmetry, or calcification. Following post-operative instructions and attending follow-up visits can help minimize risks. A qualified, experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Cohen will take steps to ensure a safe procedure and natural-looking results tailored to your goals.

Can fat transfer be combined with other procedures?

Fat transfer can often be combined with other cosmetic procedures to enhance overall results. It is commonly performed alongside a facelift, breast augmentation, liposuction, and tummy tuck surgery. Combining treatments can help improve body contours, restore facial volume, and reduce overall downtime by streamlining recovery into a single period. Dr. Cohen can evaluate your goals and needs to determine an optimal procedure plan.

Is non-surgical fat grafting possible?

True fat transfer requires liposuction to harvest fat and injection to place it in target areas, so non-surgical fat grafting is not currently feasible. However, non-surgical alternatives including dermal fillers and injectables can mimic some volume-enhancing effects without surgery, though results are temporary and may require maintenance. A consultation with Dr. Cohen can help determine whether surgical fat transfer or a non-surgical alternative is best suited to your aesthetic goals and lifestyle preferences.

For more information about fat transfer, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cohen, contact our office today.