Fat Transfer / Transplantation

A fat transfer, or fat transplantation, is a surgical procedure which can be done along with other surgeries or as an in-office procedure. It is performed by removing the fat from one area of the body and placing it (or transplanting it) to another area of the body.

For most patients, fat is normally taken from the hip or abdomen. A small area of fat that is roughly the size of the palm of your hand is anesthetized. Using a cannula, a small amount of fat is removed into several small syringes and prepared for transplant.

This procedure is most often performed using tumescent anesthesia, a form of local anesthesia, which is commonly used for liposuction.

Most patients experience nothing more than mild discomfort during this procedure. This discomfort typically lasts for only a few minutes and is well tolerated by nearly all.

Smile lines, lips, corners of the mouth, and frown lines are the areas most commonly treated using fat transfer. Since the fat must be translated deep under the skin, it’s not recommended for fine lines and fine wrinkles. Therefore, it’s only deeper wrinkles on the face that should be treated. It can also be used as a means of “cheek augmentation” and can plump areas of the face that have lost fat.

Patients may realize the benefits of fat transplantation for six months or longer. Touch-up procedures may be needed to maintain optimal results.

It’s common for some swelling to be seen in the area in which the fat is injected. The swelling may last three days or longer and is usually most pronounced in treating lips. There may be some discomfort felt in the area in which the fat is taken from. This discomfort is typically mild and easily relieved with medication, which your surgeon can prescribe to you. It is also advised that you refrain from strenuous activities for at least one week after fat transfer. If areas of the face are treated, you must limit talking and chewing to a minimum for one week.