The idea of utilising fat to improve the aesthetics of an area of concern is a very appealing idea to most people. Removing fat in the form of liposuction and transferring the fat is a very elegant solution to many problems that plastic surgeons face. The concept is used widely in reconstructive surgery, where it acts as a very useful adjunct in cancer reconstruction. The techniques have crossed over to aesthetics, and are now a fundamental part of most plastic surgeons practice.
The benefits of fat are two-fold:
Unfortunately not all the fat transferred survives, so any transfer is typically overcorrected by 30-40% to compensate for the anticipated loss
The procedure is performed as a general anaesthetic
It typically does not involve an overnight stay unless it is combined with another procedure
The areas for liposuction are marked preoperatively. The donor sites can be anywhere, however, they are typically the flanks, abdomen, back, and thighs
The fat is processed and fat cells separated from the blood
The fat is then injected into the area of concern. Care is taken to inject the fat into thin layers and multiple levels. For fat to survive and give the best possible outcome, it has to pick up the blood supply in whichever bed it is injected. This gives it the best chance of success
Facial Fat Transfer
After the fat is collected, it is processed and further refined into micro and nanoparticles.
It is then injected into the temple, tear trough, cheek, nasolabial area, lips, and chin using tiny cannulas.
Typically 20 ccs of fat are injected, of which 12 ccs will remain
Breast Fat Transfer
The fat is processed and can be injected in isolation or as part of an implant-based breast augmentation
Fat transfer acts as an excellent adjunct to breast augmentation. If the preoperative 3D scan shows a wide cleavage, then the fat transfer can be utilised to improve it. If the skin is very thin, particularly in a revision procedure, then the fat transfer can be used to thicken the interface between the skin and the implant
Fat can be used in isolation to improve the shape of a breast or to match one to the other in the case of asymmetry
Very rarely is Fat used to perform complete breast augmentation by itself. The reabsorption of fat means that being able to confidently predict the size is difficult and as such means that it is not a first-line choice in breast augmentation
Fat is injected through the nipple-areola area, in the breast fold, and through the armpit. The fat is injected as small aliquots and in multiple layers, so it has the best chance of retention
Brazilian Butt lift
Fat is injected into the hips and buttocks. These are the areas that patients want addressing because you can create a curve to an otherwise square frame
Care is taken to keep the fat in the plane just beneath the skin. Injecting fat too deeply can cause it to enter the muscles and blood vessels, which has led to severe complications
Intimate areas
Fat transfer is becoming increasingly popular for rejuvenating the labia majora and increasing the circumference of the penis. The surgery is quick and has very little pain
Fat Transfer to Hands
Aging in the hands is a telltale sign of old age. The skin becomes thin and wrinkly, and the loss of fat leads to the guttering in the back of the hand.
The addition of fat volumises the hand, giving them a youthful shape and tightens the skin. It complements other anti-aging procedures
The procedure is typically a day procedure. The exception to this is a Brazilian Butt lift in which a one overnight stay is required
If a large amount of liposuction is performed then there will be some pain and swelling. Pain killers and antibiotics are given on discharge. The pain typically resolves 5-7 days. The swelling will take up to 3 months to fully resolve
The Brazilain butt lift requires most care in the post-operative period. For a period of 4 weeks, you have to minimise any pressure on the buttock region and this has a real impact on your ability to drive and going to the gym. You will need to purchase a special cushion to sit on and sleep on your front
For the other fat transfers, driving can resume within the first week and a return to the gym is possible after 2 weeks
For all the procedures a return to work is possible at 2 weeks
Dr. Faisal will review you at 1 week, 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months
Smoking has a harmful effect on surgery and significantly reduces fat survival. This should be stopped 3 weeks before surgery
Blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, Plavix, and warfarin need to be stopped 1 week before surgery
Dr. Faisal's team will help you purchase the cushion necessary for the Brazilian butt lift
Dr. Faisal recommends taking 2 weeks vacation for the Brazilian butt lift, but 1 week is sufficient for the other fat transfers
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