When someone loses/gains weight or ages, they lose natural roundness and shape in various areas of their face where volume was once plentiful. A new way to regain this lost volume is through an aesthetic procedure known as a fat transfer (fat grafting). This treatment takes fat from a section of the body and reinstates it into an area of the face that could use additional volume. A fat transfer can be used in areas such as the lower eyelids, cheeks, or lips. Fat grafting and transfers are generally chosen when a patient desires a natural enhancement versus having fillers or implants. At Sage Plastic Surgery in Dallas, TX, plastic surgeons Dr. David G. Genecov, Dr. Carlos Raul Barceló and Dr. Huay-Zong Law incorporate the most effective methods for performing fat transfers. With this body contouring treatment, patients can achieve that beautifully smooth outcome they desire.

Individuals who want additional fullness in areas of their face that appear flat may be great candidates for a fat transfer. This procedure is even more advantageous because it provides a natural approach to create results by using the patient's own fat. With this method, there is little risk or worry for rejection. Men and women considering this treatment must be at a healthy weight and have fat to remove for the transfer. Furthermore, patients must avoid tobacco use, as the process for grafting uses only viable tissue for an effective outcome.

During this procedure, you will be placed under some type of anesthesia. The exact type of sedation or numbing medication will be based upon how much fat is being extracted, including the body area where it will be reinstated. Liposuction is first used via a thin, special cannula to carefully remove and take the fat, where it will then be purified and harvested through a centrifuge, which prepares the viable fat for syringes. After preparing the injection site, the healthy fat tissue will then be transferred into the area that needs volume. The injection process is performed in layers until an even appearance has been attained.

Following this procedure, patients will enter a healing period. Keep in mind, there will be at least 2 sites on the body that require healing: the extraction area and injection location. The overall recovery may last longer if a larger section on the face was addressed. A good example is a fat transfer for lip augmentation, which will generally require 1 – 2 days of recovery whereas a transfer to a more widespread area, such as the cheeks, may take longer. The sites affected will appear red and slightly swollen, but the visible outcomes can be seen almost immediately. An additional bonus is the area where fat was extracted will appear slimmer. A fat transfer yields great results, but there will be some resorption back into the body. For some, a future transfer may be desired down the road. There is minimal scarring associated with this procedure. 

If you wish to attain fuller lips or wish to fill lines and wrinkles along the cheeks, this treatment may be an ideal option. Moreover, a fat transfer works great for those who desire a more natural enhancement, as opposed to silicone implants. We invite you to call our front desk team to schedule your consult at Sage Plastic Surgery today.