Whether you’re looking into breast implants, butt implants, lip augmentation or anothercosmetic procedure, you may have noticed that fat transfer is now a popular alternative or add-on. If you’re not quite sure what fat transfer is or how it works, take a look at these frequently asked questions to give you a better idea of some of the pros and cons of fat transfer.
-
What’s the Difference between Fat Transfer and Injectable Fillers?
Like fillers, fat transfer requires injections to help plump or reshape a particular area of your body, but that’s about where the similarities end.Dermal fillers such as JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® contain substances that your body gradually removes from its system. In short, this means that your results from injectable fillers will be temporary, and the length of time that they’ll last will be determined by a number of factors, including which injectable product you choose.
Fat transfer, on the other hand, utilizes your body’s own fat cells to achieve the desired plumping or reshaping effect. So while your body may metabolize some of that fat, the majority if it is expected to remain in its new location long-term.
That said, fat transfer isn’t always the best option. If you’re looking to smooth away fine lines on your face, for example, injectable fillers may be the better option. For larger areas like your breasts, buttocks and lips, fat transfer could be an excellent choice.
-
Is Fat Transfer Just for Breast Enhancement?
Although fat transfer breast augmentation has become a highly popular alternative to breast enhancement with implants for more modest results, your breastsare not the only area that could benefit from this treatment. Besides your breasts, some of the most popular areas to get fat transfer include your buttocks, lips and face.
-
Who’s a Good Candidate for Fat Transfer?
Generally speaking, anyone who’s in general good health and looking to add volume to or reshape a certain area of their body could be a good candidate for fat transfer.For example, many people prefer fat transfer buttocks augmentation, also called the Brazilian butt lift, to synthetic butt implants because fat grafting tends to have a much more natural look, feel and movement.
If you’d like a modest increase in breast size, fat transfer breast augmentation could be for you.
-
How Long Do Fat Grafting Results Last?
Fat grafting is a delicate procedure that requires skill and precision. While it’s not always possible to predict just how much fat will be accepted by your body and how much will end up being metabolized, the skill and experience level of your cosmetic surgeon will certainly help to give you the best and longest-lasting results.
Once transferred fat has successfully “taken” in its new location, your results are essentially permanent.
-
What’s the Recovery Process Like after Fat Transfer?
Your fat transfer recovery will depend on the specific procedure that you’re getting. Fat transfer lip augmentation, for example, will typically take a shorter amount of time to recover from and see results than a Brazilian butt lift or fat transfer breast augmentation.
The most important thing to note during recovery after any fat transfer procedure is to avoid putting pressure on the treated area for the first few weeks. This will help to ensure that the fat takes to its new location so you can see maximum results.
Dr. Joseph J. Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. During medical school and his 5 years of training in General Surgery, Dr. Castellano developed a strong interest in Cosmetic Surgery. He followed his residency training with an elective year of specialized training with the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. From 2010-2011, he completed a fellowship in Indiana focused entirely of cosmetic surgery of the face and body. During his fellowship, he received specialized training in facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and body contouring. Dr. Castellano received his board certification from the American College of Surgeons in 2010.
Dr. Castellano focuses on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. Additionally, he operates on numerous skin cancers, scar revisions, spider veins, and specializes in the management of aging skin with chemical peels and laser resurfacing.
Request a consultation to meet with Dr. Castellano and learn more about all his practice has to offer.
