Fat Transfer
Fat transfer is a method of using your own body fat to fill in unwanted facial creases or improve hollowing around the eyes, cheeks or temples caused by aging. Fat injections can improve acne scars, and augment certain features such as lips and cheeks. It may also be used to improve the look of the aging hand. Fat transfer is our favorite way to perform the "liquid face lift" because fat is the most pliable filler and is the same consistency as your own facial tissue. The procedure can be performed along with a liposuction, or by itself.
Dr. Reichel has extensive experience with fat injections. "I love using the patient’s own fat for hand and face rejuvenation. As we age, we loose the natural fat pads in the face. Injecting fat can rejuvenate and add back that lost volume. I like to have patients bring in photos from when they were younger so we can restore that lost volume."
Fat transfer is performed by removing fat from one area of your body such as your abdomen or thighs, and then injecting it into the desired site. The "donor" area (abdomen or thigh) is cleaned and then anesthetized with tumescent anesthesia, just like in liposuction. Tumescent anesthesia uses a solution of lidocaine and saline. After the anesthesia, the fat is removed using narrow metal tubes called cannulas. The cannula is attached to a sterile syringe where the fat is collected. The fat is then centrifuged and purified so that it can be injected into the treatment site. In most cases, we will collect enough fat to store for future treatments. The fat can be stored for up to 2 years.
After the fat "harvest", the treatment area is numbed using local anesthetic, and then the fat is injected via very small blunt ended cannulas. It is then massaged into place. Before the procedure, you will be given pain medication and a light sedative to make you more comfortable.
What You Should Know
We're committed to assisting you with any inquiries you may have. Should your questions extend beyond the information provided in our FAQ section, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office.
What are the side effects from a fat transfer?
The treated area may look overly plump or swollen for about a week. You may want to plan a few days of "down-time". However, many patients are able to return to their normal activities immediately. Most notice some bruising, swelling and redness in the donor and injection sites.
Am I a good candidate for fat transfer?
Good candidates for fat transfer are individuals who have sufficient donor fat available for harvesting, are in good overall health, and have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure. Ideal candidates should also have specific areas they wish to enhance or contour using their own natural fat.
How long do the results of fat transfer last?
The results of fat transfer can vary depending on individual factors such as the patient's metabolism, lifestyle, and the specific area treated. While some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time, the remaining fat cells can provide long-lasting results. However, it's important to note that additional touch-up procedures may be needed to maintain the desired volume and contour over time.
