Fat Grafting

WHAT IS FAT GRAFTING?

Fat grafting involves taking fat away from one location and transferring to another area of the body. Typically, the donor sites are areas where fat is less desirable, such as abdomen or flanks. The target locations are areas that need more augmentation, such as the face (nasolabial folds, lips, cheeks, or bags under the eyes), breasts, or buttocks.

As we age, facial fat tends to lose volume and descend with gravity. This can create a hollower and tired look. Fat grafting may help restore a more youthful appearance by adding volume back into those areas.

WHAT IS YOUR TREATMENT APPROACH TO FAT GRAFTING?

Face

Fat may be used to restore volume of the face. Areas that lose volume include lips, cheeks, and underneath the eyes. Microdroplets of fat can be transferred into those areas to restore fullness.

Breast

Typically associated with breast reconstruction, fat may be used to fill areas of hollowing around implants. Additionally, fat can also be used to augment the breast size or address breast asymmetries in selected patients.

Buttocks

Also called the Brazilian Butt Lift, fat can be transferred into the buttocks to enlarge or make it more shapely. Fat grafting into the buttocks has a lifting effect. The size and shape of the buttock can vary depending on your goals and desires. Please refer to our page on Brazilian Butt Lift for more information on this procedure.

WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS USED DURING FAT GRAFTING?

Fat grafting of the face can be done under local or general anesthesia. This procedure takes around one hour to complete.

Fat grafting of the breast is done under general anesthesia. This procedure can take one to two hours to complete.

These procedures may be combined with other surgeries such facelift and breast augmentation. Fat grafting is an outpatient surgery.

WHAT IS THE POST OPERATIVE CARE AND RECOVERY

Fat grafting can take about one week to recover. You can expect swelling to be present for one to two weeks after surgery. You will follow up with Dr. Chen after surgery to ensure you are healing well. You will be prescribed pain medication to ease any discomfort.

WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF FAT GRAFTING?

Fat grafting will create a more energetic, brighter, and more youthful appearance. The fat transferred is permanent without the need to re-volumize, such as for fillers. Fat grafting of the breast may also allow larger breasts without the need for implants. Dr. Chen’s philosophy is to create a natural look while augmenting your areas of need.

IS FAT GRAFTING RIGHT FOR ME?

• Have you lost volume of your face over time?

• Do you appear tired or fatigued?

• Do you have bags under your eyes?

• Do you want more volume in your face?

• Do you want a more permanent volumizer, compared to fillers?

• If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may be a candidate for fat grafting.

YOUR CONSULTATION WITH DR. CHEN

Dr. Chen will create a personalized treatment plan after a comprehensive physical examination and a detailed discussion regarding your personal goals. A thorough medical history will also be obtained to ensure surgery is a safe option for you. Dr. Chen will discuss all surgical approaches and non-surgical options so that you can make an informed decision about what is the right choice for you.

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