WHAT IS A FAT TRANSFER?

Fat is harvested by liposuction. This harvested fat is then transferred to the face with special instruments to give definition. Fat transfers plump up the features giving fullness and definition. It can help eliminate skin imperfections, reduce or eliminate sagging and wrinkles on your face. Lip augmentation by fat injection can also reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth. Fat injections to the face can provide a fuller more youthful appearance with high contours and smooth skin. The fat comes from your own body, so there is no chance of allergic reaction.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE OPERATION?

This is an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia and takes 1-11/2 hours. The surgeon will first use liposuction to remove the fat cells from the donor site(s). After the cells have been successfully harvested they are then prepped for reinjection into the recipient site. This occurs by the surgeon using multiple small injections into various depths to achieve your desired look.

ARE THERE ANY COMPLICATIONS?

There are general risks associated with a general anesthetic such as aspiration of stomach content into the lungs which can cause serious illness or death. Therefore, to help prevent this it is mandatory that you do not eat or drink anything (usually 8 hours) preceding your surgery. Other risks include DVTs, (clots in the veins of the legs) which can break off and travel to the lungs, this is known as an embolus and although very rare, can be life threatening; especially in smokers. You will be encouraged to get up and walk around as soon as possible to reduce these risks. Complications are possible with any medical procedure, but complications with fat transfer are infrequent. The most common complications include uneven skin texture, asymmetry, infection, bleeding or scarring. Following the doctor’s instructions before and after the procedure can reduce the risk of complications.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

You may experience some swelling, bruising and redness. The swelling may last several weeks. The bruising and redness subside within a few days.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE OPERATION?

You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you the first 24 hours after surgery. There may be some discomfort which should be alleviated by the pain medications. You may have dressings in place which should only be removed by your surgeon. You may have sutures which will be removed within one week.

WHEN CAN NORMAL ACTIVITIES BE RESUMED?

Normal activities can usually be resumed within a day or two.

DURATION OF RESULTS?

Some of the fat cells are absorbed by your body. Therefore, some of the fullness may subside. Some patients may need a second procedure. The results tend to be permanent but each individual is different.

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