Fat grafting, also referred to as fat injection or autologous fat transfer, is a surgical procedure that involves transferring fat from one part of your body to another. The overall aim is to augment or enhance the appearance of the target injection area. During the procedure, surgeons extract the adipose fat via liposuction and process the fat. They will then re-inject the purified fat into the area requiring enhancement.

Who Performs the Procedure?

Fat grafting requires the expertise of highly-trained medical experts. For this reason, a qualified plastic surgeon must perform it. This is because liposuction is a delicate component of the surgery. Plastic surgeons undergo comprehensive training in the field, enabling them to handle complications. The surgeon can perform the procedure in a hospital or an outpatient surgery center.

The Process of Fat Grafting

The fat grafting process entails three main steps. They are:

Fat Extraction

The first step involves using liposuction techniques to extract the fat from the donor area. The most efficient and effective method is by using thin liposuction cannulas. The cannulas contain several small holes for optimal results. It is not advisable to use ultrasonic or laser liposuction during the extraction. These devices may damage the fat cells during the process.

Fat Processing

Next, your specialist will start processing the extracted fat. This process uses decanting and centrifugation. The goal is to isolate dead cells, excess fluid, and debris from useable adipose fat cells. Your doctor might also use sterile saline water to wash the fat. The unviable fat contains fat cells that are unlikely to survive the grafting process. Besides, they could even be problematic to the healthy cells.

Fat Re-injection

Finally, the processed liquid fat is re-injected into the target area. Your surgeon will re-inject them throughout the subcutaneous tissue in small droplets. This ensures every fat droplet has ample access to the blood supply. This maximizes the survival chances of the fat graft.

The amount of fat injected into the recipient area often varies depending on the area of the body getting the enhancement and the patient’s individual needs.

Common Fat Grafting Areas

Some of the most common areas that patients use fat grafting to enhance their appearances include:

• Breasts - Fat grafting can correct breast asymmetry and increase their size by up to two cup sizes. Grafting plays a key role in correcting scar deformities after breast reconstruction or lumpectomy.

• Face - Fat grafting can add volume to wrinkled or hollowed-out areas on your face. It helps restore a youthful appearance at the nasolabial folds and the area below your eye. It also helps increase the volume of your cheeks and improves your skin’s appearance. More importantly, grafting helps repair facial scars.

• Buttocks - Grafting can help your buttocks appear perkier. Grafting procedures like the Brazilian butt lift help augment buttock size.

Conclusion

Fat grafting is a safe and effective way to achieve your desired look. It utilizes your fat, making it as natural as it can get. However, you must consult your doctor before trying the procedure. They will help ascertain if you are a good candidate for the surgery and advise you.

For more on the process of fat grafting, call Weston Center for Plastic Surgery at 954-507-4540 to reach our office in Weston, Florida.