If you’re considering undergoing a fat transfer procedure, it’s likely that you’ll have a number of questions you’ll want to have answered to ensure you’re as informed as possible. This article will provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions in regards to fat transfer.
H1: What is Fat Transfer?
Obviously above anything else, you’ll want to know exactly what a fat transfer is. A fat transfer procedure is often referred to as fat grafting, and the procedure involves obtaining fat cells from one section of the body and putting them in another part of the body. Put simply, the fat cells are suctioned out, and once they’ve been purified, they’re injected back into another area of your body that can benefit from them.
Where Can Fat Be Transferred From and To?
A fat transfer procedure can be used to treat a number of areas on the body. The areas that are most commonly treated are the lips, buttocks cheeks and breasts. The fat cells are taken from a part of your body that has fat to spare, with extraction performed using liposuction. After a consultation, your doctor will select an area that has excess fat, like the stomach or thighs, and this will be used as the place to extract the fat from. This fat will then be injected (after purifying) into an area that you wish to have volume added to.
Does It Require General Anaesthetic?
No, both parts of the fat transfer procedure (the harvesting and the injecting) can be done using a local anaesthetic only.
Will It Leave Scars?
The incisions that are made in order to extract the fat are tiny micro incisions and should not leave any visible scarring on your body.
How Long Does It Last?
Studies indicate that around 80% of the fat that has been transferred to another area of your body will stay there long-term. The only real way that this fat will disappear is if you decide to have it removed using liposuction or if you lose a lot of weight. However, if you do lose weight and then put it back on again, you should see the fat cells enlarge once again.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
There are two different recovery times to take into consideration for a fat transfer procedure. The first recovery time is the recovery time post-liposuction (the harvesting phase). In general, it will take less than a week for you to be able to resume normal activities, but bruising, swelling and some pain can persist for a few months. The recovery time for the fat transfer part of the procedure can take a similar amount of time, but this will vary from patient to patient.
Where Can I Get More Information?
While this article has provided an overview of what to expect from a fat transfer procedure, your doctor will be able to answer any questions you have that are specific to you and any medical conditions you may have.