The Fat Transfer Procedure

The fat transfer procedure is a simple three-step process of removing fat from one area of the body and purifying it, then injecting the fat cells into the target site. Fat transfer results are usually noticeable immediately after the procedure and can last several months or years, or even permanently.

Preparing for the Fat Transfer Procedure

A fat transfer procedure performed alone (that is, not with another procedure such as extensive body contouring) is usually done with local anesthesia only, not general anesthesia that would put the patient to sleep. Some physicians may also offer an oral sedative for patients who are more apprehensive, but this isn't usually needed. The type and amount of anesthesia depend in part on the amount of liposuction and fat transfer you require, which will be determined by your doctor.

A fat transfer procedure can usually be performed as an outpatient procedure at your cosmetic surgeon's office. You should avoid the use of blood thinners such as ibuprofen (Motrin® and Advil®), aspirin, and Naprosyn® for two weeks before the fat transfer procedure. Since there's no risk of an allergic reaction to your own fat cells, there's no need for pre-procedure allergy testing.

Step 1) Fat Removal

The fat transfer procedure begins with liposuction to remove some excess fat from the donor site, which could be the abdomen, buttocks, hips, "saddle bags," thighs, or even jowls. In order to collect as many undamaged fat cells as possible, only very-low-suction liposuction is used. These fat cells are removed from the donor site with a small-gauge hypodermic needle or a special cannula that is designed to limit damage to the fat cells.

Step 2) Isolating Fat Cells

Once an adequate amount of fat has been collected, it is spun at a very high speed in a centrifuge to separate the fat cells from the liquid that is also removed by the liposuction. The damaged fat cells are removed. Only whole, undamaged, and cleansed fat cells are then used for the fat transfer.

Step 3) Re-Injection of the Fat

The fat transfer procedure is completed by injecting the fat cells into the target site(s) on your face. At this point, your doctor will have already identified the site for each fat injection, with the intent to correct imperfections or create a new contour. U sing a separate hypodermic syringe, the doctor will inject the fat cells at the depth needed to achieve the desired fat transfer results.

Fat Transfer Recovery and Results – What to Expect

Once your fat transfer is complete, you may have some slight swelling and/or bruising at the donor site or the target site(s) on your face. The swelling can be expected to go away in a few days, and any discomfort you feel can be controlled with pain medication. As with all medical procedures, you should follow all postoperative instructions from your cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist. Many patients return to their normal daily activities within hours or a day or two of the fat transfer procedure.

You can expect fat transfer results that are immediately apparent or that will be clear after any swelling has receded. A significant benefit of this technique is that the results generally last much longer than the results of other dermal fillers such as Restylane®, collagen injections, and Juvéderm®. Individual fat transfer results definitely vary, but with a properly performed procedure, the results may last for years, or even permanently.

Schedule a Consultation with a Plastic Surgeon

Fat transfer as a facial rejuvenation option may not be as widely known as, say, Restylane®, but it's a highly effective, long-lasting and yet safe way to correct facial defects. You can use the extensive DocShop directory to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist in your area who performs fat transfer treatments. Be sure to ask about the type of procedure used, and feel free to ask to see examples of patient results.