Fat Grafting Questions

What is fat grafting?

Fat grafting, sometimes also called fat transfer or fat transplant, is a technique that removes fat from a donor site (often a place where fat is not wanted) and moves it to a target site (where more fat is lacking).

Where can fat grafting be used?

Fat grafting is commonly used to add volume to the face, hands, or buttocks. In adding fat to the face or hands, the goal is to reduce the appearance of age that comes with a loss of fat in these areas. In buttock augmentation, often described as a Brazilian butt lift, the goal is to improve the appearance of the buttocks. Sometimes, fat grafting is also used for breast augmentation.

Are the results of fat grafting permanent?

Yes, the results of fat grafting are more or less permanent. Once fat is successfully grafted to a new area, it becomes part of that area, and, unlike artificial fillers, is not an inert material that the body absorbs. Although processes that lead to loss of fat in the area will continue, the results of a fat graft are essentially permanent. Some investigators attribute the improvement to growth factors or stem cells that accompany the transplanted fat.

How is fat removed from the donor site?

Fat is removed from the donor site using liposuction. Laser or Ultrasonic techniques destroy the fat and are not used for this purpose. Once, it is extracted, it is then treated and prepared.

How is fat placed in the target site?

Typically, fat is injected in very small amounts throughout the target site. This allows the fat injections to be better incorporated into the site's native tissue, improving the likelihood that the fat will survive.

Does fat graft require multiple treatments?

Sometimes. It is difficult to predict how much of the transplanted fat will survive, so sometimes we end up with not enough fat in the target area and have to perform a second procedure (and sometimes more) to ensure maximum correction or augmentation.

Is fat grafting good for me?

The best way to learn whether fat grafting is a good technique for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Otto J. Placik today. He will discuss the procedure, including its benefits and risks, and perform an exam before giving you personalized recommendations. Please call or email us today for your consultation.