Fat Transfer | 5 minute read
If you want to improve the appearance of your face or body naturally, without the downtime associated with typical plastic surgeries or the potential side effects of implants and fillers, fat transfer may be the best solution for you. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common areas for fat transfer, how it can work with plastic surgery, and why this treatment is gaining so much popularity.
What Are the Most Common Areas Treated With Fat Transfer?
Fat transfer is a versatile and minimally invasive procedure that can enhance and rejuvenate many areas of the body and face. Using your own fat means no risk of allergic reactions or complications, which (while rare) can occur with synthetic fillers and implants.
Fat transfer or fat grafting can be used on the body and face to restore volume, enhance contours, refresh tired-looking eyes, and more. Below are the most common areas for fat grafting.
Face
Common facial areas for fat grafting include:
- Cheeks: As we age, our cheeks often lose volume. Fat transfer can restore cheek fullness to create more youthful mid-facial contours.
- Under-eye hollows: Fat grafting can address sunken eyes by filling in the hollows beneath the eyes for a more rejuvenated and alert appearance.
- Nasolabial folds: These deep lines extend from each side of the nose to the corners of the mouth and tend to become more pronounced with age.
- Lips: For those who want fuller lips, fat transfer is a natural alternative to lip fillers and implants, as it adds volume and provides long-lasting results while maintaining a soft, natural feel.
- Jawline and chin: Fat transfer can sculpt the jawline or chin for more defined and attractive lower facial contours.
The face is the most popular area for fat transfer as it can reduce the appearance of aging by restoring volume to places that have lost beneficial fat over time.
Breasts
The demand for fat transfer to the breasts is growing fast, especially for women who want a small increase in breast size or to correct asymmetry. It is often referred to as natural breast augmentation and is the most effective minimally invasive breast enhancement technique.
Hands
As we age, the skin on our hands looks thinner due to volume loss, which leads to prominent-appearing veins and tendons. Fat transfer to the hands is a simple and effective way to restore lost volume for more youthful-looking hands.
Midsection
Fat transfer is sometimes used to improve abdominal or midsection contours by adding volume to irregular areas that need to be smoothed or to enhance tummy tuck or liposuction results.
Buttocks
One of the most well-known uses of fat transfer is in the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). This procedure involves liposuction to remove fat, typically from the thighs or abdomen, a purification process, and then injection into the buttocks to create a fuller derrière.
Hips
Fat transfer to the hips can create a more balanced, curvy shape by filling in areas that lack volume or are flat. This is often done with a Brazilian Butt Lift for patients who want to accentuate their waist-to-hip ratio.
Thighs
Fat transfer to the thighs can smooth out irregularities, correct asymmetry, or add volume where needed.
Combining Fat Transfer with Other Plastic Surgery Procedures
Fat transfer is not just a standalone procedure but is often used along with other plastic surgery procedures to enhance the results. Fat grafting can be used with the following cosmetic surgeries:
Facelift
A traditional facelift focuses on tightening and lifting the skin and underlying tissues, but volume loss is often unaddressed. Fat transfer with a facelift adds volume to the cheeks, under-eye area, or temples for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Breast Augmentation
While implants provide a dramatic increase in breast size, fat transfer can be used to add subtle volume to specific areas of the breast in cases of asymmetry, insufficient natural breast tissue, or when a more natural upper breast slope is desired.
Liposuction
Liposuction is performed to remove unwanted, stubborn fat from areas like the abdomen, thighs, and flanks. Instead of discarding the fat, it can be purified for fat grafting to enhance other body areas like the buttocks or breasts.
Tummy Tuck
During a tummy tuck, excess skin and fat are removed from the abdominal area. Fat transfer can help reshape the surrounding areas for more natural results.
Body Contouring Procedures
Fat transfer can enhance many surgical body contouring procedures, such as arm lift, thigh lift, and buttock lift surgeries, to add volume and smooth out irregularities for a more natural and appealing look.
What Are My Fat Transfer Options in New Orleans?
Fat transfer is a great option to enhance many areas of your body and face. Our board-certified plastic surgeon has the skill and experience to safely deliver some of the best fat transfer results in New Orleans. To schedule your Metairie, Louisiana, fat transfer consultation, call (504) 779-5538 or complete our online contact form today.