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Fat Grafting

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Home | Body | Fat Grafting

Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, is a cosmetic procedure that involves removing fat from one area of the body and injecting it into another area to enhance or restore volume. The procedure has gained popularity in recent years as a safe and effective alternative to synthetic fillers or implants. Fat grafting can be used for various parts of the body such as the face, buttocks, breasts, and body.

Dr. Samuel M. Sohn is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in advanced body contouring techniques, including fat grafting procedures for patients in Tampa, Clearwater or St. Petersburg, Florida.

What Is Fat Grafting?

The fat transfer procedure involves harvesting fat from the patient’s own body and transferring it to Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Fat grafting history and applications ASPS Go to Source another area of the body. This plastic surgery procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the area being treated and the amount of fat being transferred. During the procedure, Dr. Sohn uses a liposuction cannula to remove the fat from the donor site, typically an area of your body with excess fat such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. The extracted fat is then processed in a centrifuge to remove excess fluids and debris before being injected into the recipient site.

Fat grafting has become popular due to its natural-looking results and the absence of rejection or allergic reactions that can occur with synthetic fillers. Since the fat is harvested from your own body, there is no risk of rejection or allergic reactions. The results of fat grafting can last for several years, making it a long-lasting and cost-effective solution for facial rejuvenation or body contouring.

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Fat Grafting Procedures

The three main types of fat grafting procedures are facial fat grafting, buttock fat grafting, and breast and body fat grafting. Each procedure will be tailored to your specific needs and goals and involves a unique approach to fat removal, processing, and transfer.

Fat Grafting for the Face

Fat grafting for the face involves transferring fat from the patient’s body to the face to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles and lines, and enhance facial features. The procedure is commonly used to fill in hollows under the eyes, enhance the cheeks, and plump up the lips. Fat grafting can also be used to improve the appearance of acne scars, sunken temples, and nasolabial folds.

Fat Grafting for the Buttocks

Fat grafting for the buttocks, commonly known as a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), is a cosmetic procedure that involves transferring fat from the patient’s body to the buttocks to enhance its shape and size. The procedure has gained popularity due to its natural-looking results and the absence of the risks associated with buttock implants.

Fat Grafting for the Breast & Body

Fat grafting for the breast and body is a popular procedure for those who desire natural-looking results without the use of breast implants. The procedure involves removing fat from the patient’s body and injecting it into the breasts or other areas to enhance their shape and size. Fat grafting can also be used to fill in hollows on the body, such as the hands, feet, and knees.

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Candidates For Fat Grafting

Good candidates for fat grafting procedures are individuals who are in good overall health, have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure, and have areas of the body where additional volume or contouring is desired. Candidates should also have enough donor fat available for harvesting. During your consultation with Dr. Sohn, he’ll determine if you are a suitable candidate for your desired fat grafting procedure based on your individual needs and medical history.

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How To Prepare For Fat Grafting

Preparing for cosmetic surgery with fat grafting involves a few key steps to ensure a successful outcome. You should avoid smoking and taking certain medications, such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), in the weeks leading up to your procedure. It is also important to disclose any medical conditions or allergies to Dr. Sohn to minimize the risk of complications.

In addition, you’ll need to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from the procedure and provide assistance during the recovery period. Dr. Sohn recommends planning ahead for time off work or other obligations to allow for adequate rest and recovery. By following these preparation guidelines, you can increase your chances of a successful fat grafting procedure and achieve optimal results.

What to Expect During a Fat Grafting Procedure

Fat grafting procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis, which means that you can go home on the same day as the procedure. Fat grafting procedures typically follow the same steps:

Anesthesia
Before the procedure, you will be given anesthesia to ensure comfort and pain relief during the procedure. The type of anesthesia used will depend on the specific procedure and your preferences.

Fat Processing
Once the fat has been harvested, it is carefully processed to remove excess fluids and blood cells. The fat is then prepared for injection into the recipient area.

Fat Harvesting
The first step in a fat grafting procedure is to harvest fat from a donor area of the body. This is usually done using liposuction, which involves making small incisions in the donor area and using a cannula to suction out fat cells.

Fat Injection
The processed fat is then injected into the recipient area using small, precise injections. Dr. Sohn will carefully monitor the injections to ensure that the fat is distributed evenly and in the correct amounts

Incision Closure
Once the fat has been injected, the incisions are closed with sutures or adhesive strips. A compression garment may be applied to the donor area to reduce swelling and promote healing.

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Recovery Following Fat Grafting

Recovery following fat grafting varies depending on the area being treated and the extent of the treatment. You may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort for several days to several weeks following the procedure. Dr. Sohn recommends avoiding strenuous activities and stresses the importance of following all post-operative instructions to ensure optimal results.

You may also need to wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support the newly shaped area of the body. Dr. Sohn may also prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to help manage pain and prevent infection.

The results of your fat grafting procedure can last for several years, making it a long-lasting and cost-effective solution for facial rejuvenation or body contouring. It is important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen to ensure optimal results and to prevent weight gain, which can affect the results of fat grafting.

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Why Choose Samuel Sohn for Fat Transfer?

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Samuel Sohn, MD

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Sohn has extensive experience in fat grafting procedures and is committed to providing patients with individualized care and optimal results.

 

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FAQs About Fat Grafting

Yes, fat grafting is a safe and effective procedure when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Sohn who is highly experienced in performing the procedure. However, like any surgical procedure, fat grafting does have some risk of side effects and complications including Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Facial Fat Grafting (FFG): Worth the Risk? Journal of Clinical Medicine Go to Source necrosis , fat hypertrophy, cyst formation, fat embolism, and contour asymmetries and irregularities.

The procedure takes approximately one to three hours, depending on the area being treated and the extent of the treatment.

Recovery varies depending on the area being treated and the extent of the treatment. It’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort for several days to several weeks following the procedure.

Yes, fat grafting can be combined with other procedures, such as a facelift, breast augmentation, or tummy tuck, to achieve optimal results.

The timeline for seeing results after a fat grafting procedure can vary depending on the individual and the specific procedure performed. In general, patients can expect to see some initial swelling and bruising in the donor and recipient areas, which can take several weeks to resolve. The final results of a fat grafting procedure may not be fully visible for several months, as it takes time for the transferred fat to settle, integrate with the surrounding tissue, and Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Fat Transfer Cleveland Clinic Go to Source develop a blood supply . Patients should also keep in mind that not all of the transferred fat may survive, and some reabsorption may occur over time. However, the surviving fat cells can provide long-lasting, natural-looking results.

One of the benefits of fat transfer is that results can last for several years, depending on the area being treated and your lifestyle habits. It is important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen to ensure optimal results.

The cost of fat grafting procedures can vary depending on several factors, including the specific procedure performed. During your consultation, Dr. Sohn will provide more detailed information on the expected cost of the procedure based on your individual needs and goals. Dr. Sohn is proud to offer financing options to help make the procedure more affordable for his patients.

Yes, fat transfer can be used for natural breast augmentation, also known as autologous fat transfer breast augmentation. Fat transfer breast augmentation procedures can provide a natural-looking and feeling result, and the procedure can also be used to correct asymmetry or improve the overall appearance of the breasts.

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Schedule A Consultation For Fat Grafting

If you are considering a fat grafting procedure, contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sohn. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sohn has extensive experience in fat grafting procedures and is committed to providing patients in Tampa, Clearwater or St. Petersburg, Florida with individualized care and optimal results.

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1ASPS. Fat grafting history and applications. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/fat-grafting-history-and-applications. Accessed April 4, 2023.
2 Journal of Clinical Medicine. Facial Fat Grafting (FFG): Worth the Risk? A Systematic Review of Complications and Critical Appraisal. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9410081/. Accessed April 4, 2023.
3Cleveland Clinic. Fat Transfer. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24027-fat-transfer. Accessed April 4, 2023.

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