Fat Transfer: Finally…a Good Use for Fat
We tend to think badly of fat. There are dozens of products and techniques out there to help you lose fat, but sometimes your own fat can actually improve your shape. Dr. David Allison uses fat transfer techniques to move unwanted fat cells from certain areas of the body into other areas that may be suffering from depleted fat. This process is typically considered “non-allergenic” because the material being injected is from your own body. It is rare that patients would experience any reaction to the injections.
While fat transfer can’t make you “skinnier,” it can provide a new contour for your body and face.
What Fat Transfer Can Correct
Fat transfer can be used in a variety of ways:
- Increase breast size
- Add volume and smoothness to the face
- Create rounder, fuller buttocks
- Add fullness to the lips
- Improve the appearance of the backs of hands
Fat Transfer Procedure
The fat transfer procedure includes 3 basic steps:
- Liposuction is used to remove fat from unwanted areas of the body
- The removed fat is processed and purified
- The “clean” fat is injected back into the face, hands or body to add fullness
Dr. Allison uses fat transfer for:
- Breast augmentation
- Breast reconstruction
- Facial rejuvenation
- Lip injections
- Butt lift (buttock augmentation)
- Hand rejuvenation
- Mommy Makeovers
Fat Transfer Recovery
Recovery from fat transfer will depend on the type of procedure being performed and location of the injections. The typical recovery is 1-2 weeks, and during that time you may experience some swelling and bruising as you heal. In addition to the injection site, you will also need to be gentle with the liposuction sites.
- Promote healing by stopping smoking for at least 2-4 weeks
- Make sure all of the incision areas remain clean, dry and free of infection
- Applying antibiotic creams as directed
- Do not lift heavy objects or participate in strenuous activities for several weeks
Risks of Fat Transfer
Fat transfer may seem like a fairly low-risk procedure…and it typically is. However, the process uses two procedures – liposuction and fat injections – so one or both procedures can cause complications such as:
- Anesthetic reaction
- Scarring
- Skin discoloration
- Infection
- Blood clot
- Loose, wrinkled skin
- Bleeding
- Nerve damage
To learn more about fat transfer in Northern Virginia, contact us to schedule a free Cosmetic Consultation.