Fat transfer, also referred to as fat injection, is a revolutionary procedure which allows youthful volume to be returned to areas that have experienced volume depletion. This procedure can produce remarkable results in rejuvenating the face in patients who are showing the effects of aging due to volume loss. During the procedure, excess fat is removed from one site on the body, such as the abdomen or hips, and then transferred to another site that requires additional volume or sculpting.
Fat grafting can restore a more youthful appearance to the face by plumping the soft tissue and filling in wrinkles, lines and other depressions. It can also rejuvenate aged-looking hands and add volume to areas like the breasts and buttocks. The fat grafting process also has an amazing effect on the skin due to the stem cells which are contained within the fat.
Fat grafting may be appropriate for anyone who has experienced volume depletion. Dr. Vitenas performs the procedure at Houston Surgery Center, an outpatient facility conveniently located in the same building as Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery. The procedure may take anywhere from one to four hours to complete and is performed with either local anesthesia and sedation or with general anesthesia.
During the procedure, very small, almost imperceptible incisions are made which result in minimal scarring. Fat is harvested from the donor area using liposuction techniques. The fat is then prepared and injected into the area where it is needed.
The recovery following fat grafting is very minimal and lasts about one to two days. Some minor discomfort, swelling, redness or bruising may result. Patients are generally able to return to work the following day. Exercise and other strenuous activities may be resumed within one to four weeks depending on the volume and area grafted. Complications are typically rare but may include bleeding, scarring, and infection.
Q – What is fat grafting?
Fat grafting, also known as fat injection, is a revolutionary procedure in which fat is harvested from one area, and reinjected into another area to restore lost volume. Fat grafting is often performed on the face, hands, breasts and buttocks.
Q – Who is a candidate for fat grafting?
Candidates for fat grafting include men and women who are in good physical health and are looking to improve areas of the body that have experienced volume depletion.
Q – What should I expect during a consultation for fat transfer?
At your consultation for fat grafting, Dr. Vitenas will review your medical history, discuss your goals, and answer any questions that you may have. You will also be able to view pre-op and post-op photos of previous patients who have undergone fat grafting. Dr. Vitenas will discuss all details of the procedure including the technique, recovery, risks, expected outcomes, costs, and financing options.
Q – Where is the fat grafting procedure performed?
Dr. Vitenas may perform your fat grafting procedure at Houston Surgery Center, an outpatient facility conveniently located in the same building as Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery.
Q – How much does fat transfer cost?
Fat Transfer is a procedure whose cost can vary depending on a few different factors. The area that the fat will be harvested from and the volume of fat to be deposited will have a significant influence on the total price of the procedure. The cost of Fat Transfer generally ranges from $6,500.00 to $13,000.00 depending on the area. For pricing information about fat transfer to the buttocks or Brazilian butt lift, please click here.
Q – What type of anesthesia is used for fat grafting?
Fat grafting is performed with local anesthesia and sedation or with general anesthesia.
Q – How is fat grafting performed?
For fat grafting, anesthesia is first administered. Very small, almost imperceptible incisions are made in the donor area. Through these incisions, liposuction techniques are used to harvest the fat which is then prepared and injected into the recipient area.
Q – How long is the fat grafting procedure?
The fat grafting process takes anywhere from one to four hours to complete.
Q – Does fat grafting leave scars?
The incisions made for fat grafting are very small and almost imperceptible. This results in minimal visible scarring.
Q – Is fat grafting a painful procedure?
Any discomfort associated with fat grafting is usually minimal. You will be given either local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia for your procedure and medication can help to manage any discomfort you experience during your recovery.
Q – How long is the recovery after fat grafting?
Patients can expect a very minimal recovery period of one to two days following fat grafting.
Q – What is the recovery like after fat grafting?
Recovery following fat grafting is minimal. Patients may experience some minor discomfort, swelling, redness or bruising which tends to fade quickly.
Q – When will I be able to return to work after my fat grafting procedure?
Most patients are able to return to work on the day after their fat grafting procedure.
Q – When will I be able to exercise after my fat grafting procedure?
Depending on the extent of your procedure, you may be able to resume exercise and other strenuous activities within one to four weeks following your fat grafting procedure
Q – What are the risks or possible complications of fat grafting?
There are few risks associated with fat grafting but these may include bleeding, scarring, and injection.
Q – Is it possible to finance my fat grafting procedure?
There are financing options available for plastic surgery which Dr. Vitenas will discuss with you during your initial fat grafting consultation. Please visit our financing options page to learn more.
