The 411 on Fat Transfer & Fat Grafting Surgery

Fat grafting can reverse some of the effects of aging by plumping certain areas of the body that are wrinkled or sunken. Often referred to as fat transfer surgery, this procedure is also effective in reducing the appearance of scars and other deformities.

Ideal for Addressing Scars and Restoring Volume

Fat grafting is often recommended for people who have pockmarks from acne and other types of facial scarring. People with certain diseases that cause facial volume loss can also benefit from this procedure. Cheeks and other sunken areas of the face can often be corrected with fat grafting. Some doctors even recommend fat grafting for breast or buttock augmentation. Anyone with atrophic aging of the hands can also benefit from this treatment.

Fat Transfer Procedure: A Natural, Cosmetic Solution

One of the best aspects of fat grafting is that it uses fat cells from a person’s own body as filler material, eliminating the risk of foreign-tissue rejection. A local anesthetic is used to numb the site where the fat cells are harvested. Fat cells are often taken from the abdomen, buttocks, or other parts of the body that have excess fat deposits to be used for the fat transfer.

After removal, these harvested fat cells undergo a process that removes excess fluid. The treatment sites on the body, which are also numbed with local anesthetic, are then injected with these fat cells just beneath the skin to achieve greater fullness.

Healing After Fat Grafting

Some bruising, redness, and swelling may persist at the cell harvesting and treatment sites for up to 2 weeks after surgery. Doctors may use overcorrective treatment methods to improve fat cell reabsorption, which could make some patients’ faces look overly plump or swollen for up to one week. Minimal downtime is usually needed for recovery. Post-surgical defects are rare.

Anyone interested in undergoing fat grafting for breast augmentation or to correct certain facial flaws or other problematic areas of the body is encouraged to consult with Dr. Firouz, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, for further advice. His practice is conveniently located in Beverly Hills. He provides his services to patients from all over California, from other states, and across the country who seek his surgical expertise and years of experience.