Fat transfer is a surgical body-contouring technique that takes fat from other areas of the body and redistributes it to restore a more desirable appearance. This procedure is incredibly versatile and has numerous applications. This blog is a guide aimed to help you understand how a fat transfer works and where it can be applied.
Dr. Wendie Grunberg is a board-certified plastic surgeon at Alluring Aesthetics who is known for her dedication to patient safety and transformational results. Dr. Grunberg combines art and science in every procedure to help you enhance your natural beauty so that you can look and feel like the best version of yourself.
To start working with Dr. Grunberg, please contact us online or call (210) 714-5390.
Contents
- 1 About Fat Transfers
- 2 Candidates
- 3 Personal Consultation
- 4 Preparation
- 5 Procedure
- 6 Recovery
- 7 Results
- 8 Cost of Fat Transfers in San Antonio, Texas
- 9 FAQ
- 9.1 How do you harvest fat during a fat transfer?
- 9.2 What fat transfer procedures are available at your practice?
- 9.3 How long will the results of my fat transfer last?
- 9.4 How long does a fat transfer procedure typically take?
- 9.5 Can I combine my fat transfer with another aesthetic procedure?
- 9.6 Who is a good candidate for a fat transfer?
- 9.7 What is the recovery process like after a fat transfer?
- 9.8 Are fat transfer procedures safe?
- 10 References
About Fat Transfers
A fat transfer is a minimally invasive procedure that uses your own fat to enhance your appearance. Also known as autologous fat grafting, this technique consists of using liposuction techniques to take fat from one area of your body before it is purified and reinjected into the designated area. (1)
Many surgeons consider autologous fat an ideal filler because it is highly versatile, readily available, and reduces the risk of allergic reaction. (2) It also provides softer, more natural-looking enhancements, especially in comparison to synthetic fillers or implants. At Alluring Aesthetics, Dr. Grunberg can perform facial fat grafting, an autologous breast augmentation, or a Brazilian Butt Lift using these techniques.
About Facial Fat Grafting
Whether it is a result of the natural processes of aging, weight loss, or other factors, many patients experience facial volume loss at some point in life. This can cause an aged, gaunt, or sagging appearance. Some patients choose to address this with synthetic fillers, but these only provide temporary results. Facial fat grafting can fill in wrinkles or restore volume throughout the face. Commonly treated areas include the undereyes, cheeks, lips, and temples.
About Breast Augmentation
While breast augmentation is most commonly associated with implants, many patients turn to fat transfer techniques to avoid the maintenance they require, as well as the risks they might bring. Breast augmentation with a fat transfer can improve the shape, fullness, and symmetry of the breasts. This approach allows for a maximum one-cup size increase, but patients can also choose to undergo fat transfer in combination with implant placement, as adding fat can help disguise the edges of the implants and enhance the overall results.
About Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL)
The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is one of the most well-known fat transfer procedures. It enhances the size and shape of the buttocks, often sculpting the surrounding areas simultaneously. Dr. Grunberg can perform a BBL to create a more defined, hourglass-shaped waist that complements your natural figure.
About Fat Grafting to the Labia
Fat grafting to the labia majora is a fat transfer procedure that restores a more youthful-looking aesthetic to your outer vaginal lips. Dr. Grunberg can address any deflation, wrinkles, or other volume loss to create a fuller, more rejuvenated appearance.
About Fat Transfer to the Hands
Dr. Grunberg can transfer fat to the hands to restore a softer and smoother look and feel. The hands are one of the most visible parts of the body, and are exposed to many intrinsic and extrinsic factors each day, causing them to change in appearance. Dr. Grunberg can transfer your autologous fat to your hands to soften the signs of aging and restore a more voluminous and fuller look.
About Fat Grafting to the Hip Dips
Hip dips are the divots found between the hip and thigh bones. Dr. Grunberg can transfer your fat to the hip dips to smooth out your curves and contours, creating a more rounded look that contributes to an hourglass figure.
Candidates
You may be a suitable candidate for a fat transfer if you are interested in volume augmenting certain areas without the use of fillers or implants, are in good general health, and maintain realistic expectations regarding your results. Patients will need to have sufficient excess fat for harvesting as well. Dr. Grunberg will finalize your candidacy during your personal consultation.
Personal Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Grunberg will meet with you and determine whether a fat transfer suits your goals. She will ask about your medical history, current prescriptions, and aesthetic goals. She will also perform a physical examination to assess the targeted area(s) as well as potential donor fat sites.
If you are ready to schedule your consultation, please contact us online or call our office directly at (210) 714-5390.
Preparation
Once you schedule your procedure, Dr. Grunberg will give you a set of pre-operative instructions. These may include guidelines such as:
- Dr. Grunberg may ask you to stop taking blood-thinning medications and supplements
- Stop using nicotine and consuming alcohol several weeks before and after your procedure
- Plan to take time away from your responsibilities
- Arrange transportation home in advance after your procedure
Procedure
After you receive anesthesia, Dr. Grunberg will then perform liposuction to harvest fat from the predetermined areas. To carry out this stage of the procedure, Dr. Grunberg will make small, discreet incisions near the donor areas and inject a tumescent solution that constricts the blood vessels, further numbs the tissue, and swells the fat cells for easier removal. She will then insert a cannula to break up the fat and suction it from the body. (3)
This fat goes through a purification process, ensuring only the most viable cells are reintroduced to the body. Dr. Grunberg will then inject the fat into the targeted area, carefully layering it to achieve a fuller and more natural appearance.
Recovery
After your fat transfer procedure, you will need to take time off work—typically no longer than two weeks—to focus on your recovery. It is important to note that two areas will be healing after the procedure, not just one (the donor site and the recipient site). It is common to experience swelling or bruising, but these effects are temporary and will subside on their own.
After the initial two weeks, you will need to continue avoiding strenuous or physically demanding tasks until you receive clearance from Dr. Grunberg. She will provide further post-operative instructions for you to review. These will include guidance on how to best care for your incisions, navigate any activity restrictions, and manage any potential side effects or discomfort.
Results
You may notice immediate improvements, but the full results of your fat transfer will emerge after any residual swelling subsides and the transferred fat stabilizes with a new blood supply. (4)
It is normal for the body to resorb some fat during the initial stages. The surviving fat remains in place indefinitely.
Cost of Fat Transfers in San Antonio, Texas
The cost of your fat transfer may vary, as Dr. Grunberg personalizes each detail according to your aesthetic goals and anatomy. After creating your surgical plan, she will provide a comprehensive cost estimate. Alluring Aesthetics additionally offers financing to make treatments more accessible for patients who qualify.
To learn more about the cost of your customized fat transfer, please contact us online or call (210) 714-5390.
FAQ
How do you harvest fat during a fat transfer?
During a fat transfer, Dr. Grunberg uses liposuction to take fat from other areas of the body. She then processes and purifies the fat before reinjecting it into the treatment area.
What fat transfer procedures are available at your practice?
Dr. Grunberg can perform facial fat grafting, breast augmentation, or a BBL with a fat transfer to enhance your appearance.
How long will the results of my fat transfer last?
Fat transfers produce long-lasting results, as the fat generally stays in place permanently. It is important to keep in mind that there is an initial settling period during which some fat will be resorbed by the body. The fat that remains and establishes a blood supply will integrate naturally with the tissues and stay indefinitely, allowing for long-term enhancements.
How long does a fat transfer procedure typically take?
The duration of your fat transfer procedure will vary depending on the type of procedure, the amount of fat Dr. Grunberg transfers, and more. Dr. Grunberg will discuss your estimated procedure time with you during your consultation.
Can I combine my fat transfer with another aesthetic procedure?
Yes, you may combine several procedures for more transformative results! For further information and personalized suggestions, we recommend that you schedule a personal consultation.
Who is a good candidate for a fat transfer?
Ideal candidates are individuals who have adequate donor fat, are in good overall health, and want to enhance volume using their own natural tissue. A consultation with Dr. Grunberg will determine whether a fat transfer is the right option for your goals.
What is the recovery process like after a fat transfer?
Recovery varies depending on the treatment areas, but most patients experience temporary swelling, bruising, and soreness at both the donor and treatment sites. Dr. Grunberg will provide detailed aftercare instructions and guidance on when you can safely return to normal activities.
Are fat transfer procedures safe?
Fat is actually considered by many professionals to be the ideal filler medium. This is because it comes from your own body, so it is completely biocompatible and carries an exceptionally low risk of causing rejection or infection. Furthermore, Dr. Grunberg puts patient safety first and will ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
References
- Bellini E, Grieco MP, Raposio E. The science behind autologous fat grafting. Annals of Medicine and Surgery. 2017;24:65-73. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amsu.2017.11.001
- Vasavada A, Raggio BS. Autologous Fat Grafting For Facial Rejuvenation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557860/
- Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/
- Shih L, Davis MJ, Winocour SJ. The Science of Fat Grafting. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2020;34(01):005-010. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0039-3402073