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Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is a dynamic cosmetic surgery technique that has increasingly been used to address various aesthetic concerns. The procedure has been popular since the 1990s as a way to enhance one’s physique and confidence.

Surgeon holding syringes of purified fat for fat transfer.

How Is Fat Transfer Performed?

Fat transfer is a very straightforward process. A patient undergoes fat removal from an area of excess, and the fat is then filtered before being reinjected into a new area that can benefit from the additional volume. Fat transfers are most popularly used to the buttocks but can also be used to enhance other parts of the body and face.

What Are the Most Popular Ways to Use Fat Transfer?

Increased Butt Size

Sometimes, even a healthy diet and a strict exercise regime cannot give you the lifted, curved buttocks you have always wanted. Luckily, the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) can. The BBL has taken the world by storm over recent years, allowing women to fine-tune their silhouettes by lifting, filling, and shaping their derrières.

Many patients prefer a fat transfer to butt implants, as it provides a more natural appearance and is often less invasive.

Fat transfer may also be used for:

 

  • Natural breast enhancement—Many women would appreciate an increase in breast size without the look and feel of breast implants. Fat transfer for breast enhancement is quick, safe, and natural-looking. The fat can be removed from problem areas such as the arms or thighs, and the purified fat is injected into the breast. This procedure cannot match the results of traditional breast augmentation.
  • Natural facial filler—For those experiencing increased volume loss in the face, facial fat transfer offers more permanent results than temporary fillers. Restoring volume loss in the face gives a naturally youthful appearance. Fat grafting uses your own fat to lift and fill sunken cheeks, reshape and tighten the jawline, and fill wrinkles around the eyes and forehead. Additional facial fullness can also be achieved with the injection of dermal fillers.

 

What Are the Added Benefits of Fat Transfer?

With fat grafting, you will also lose fat in an area of excess. You can choose to have an entire area treated with liposuction if it is right for you. It is a win-win situation where you lose fat from an unwanted place and add volume to the desired body area.

Fat harvesting (liposuction), commonly removes fat from the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, and neck.

What to Expect From Fat Transfer Recovery?

It is common to experience swelling that will typically subside after three or four days. Usually, you can return to your normal routine within one week of the procedure. The volume of fat that is harvested will affect recovery time. 

What to Expect From Fat Transfer Results?

Most patients see the absorption of 20 to 50 percent of the fat. After the body has absorbed the fat, the remaining fat is considered permanent and will provide long-lasting results.

Interested in Learning More?

If you are ready to find out more about fat transfer procedures, schedule a consultation with Dr. Pollack by calling our office at  858-450-9100 or by filling out our online form.