Want bigger breasts without implants? Or a more full, youthful face without the fillers? It’s possible with fat transfer!
A fat transfer procedure removes fat from parts of the body where it isn’t wanted and then uses that fat to revamp other parts of the body. There are no synthetic materials; it’s 100% natural augmentation and rejuvenation for the face, hands, breasts, and buttocks. If it sounds like the procedure for you, read below to find out more about exactly how this procedure works. Then, contact Cosmetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center of Maryland to schedule a consultation!
About Fat Transfer
A fat transfer, also called fat grafting, is a two part procedure where fat is removed from one part of the body, a donor location, using liposuction and then injected into another part of the body to add shape and volume or decrease the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. In this way, Dr. Salman Ashruf works with each of his patient to optimally sculpt the body into their desired contour and also create great proportion. Frequently, patients use the liposuction to slim and contour their abdomen and hips, while then augmenting their breasts or buttocks. However, there are many different fat transfer procedure options available for rejuvenation, including for the face and hands.
Fat Graft Donor Locations
A donor location can be any place on the body where the patient has excess and localized deposits of adipose tissue (fat) that can be harvested for use elsewhere in the body. Some of the most common locations include:
- Upper arms
- Back
- Waist
- Abdomen
Hips
Inner thighs
Outer thighs
Knees
In every case, Dr. Ashruf and the patient determine together the optimal donor locations that best fit the patient’s individual goals and will help them achieve their desired results. Typically, the doctor will perform liposuction on multiple parts of the body in order to obtain the amount of fat needed for fat transfer.
Popular Fat Transfer Treatment Areas
After the fat is harvested from the donor location, it is then injected into another part of the body in small consistent increments in order to add volume in those locations and smooth the skin. Below are some of the more popular parts of the body where a fat transfer can be used to revamp and volumize.
Buttocks
Fat transfer procedures performed to increase the size and shape of the buttocks have become increasingly popular with the simultaneous rise in popularity of voluptuous backsides. Also known as a Brazilian Butt Lift, this procedure augments the buttocks for a perkier and rounder appeal. It is also our most popular fat transfer procedure. Liposuction of surrounding areas like the flanks and thighs can also help in the appearance of more protrusion.
Breasts
The breasts can be augmented using one’s own natural fat, as opposed to using silicone or saline implants. However, a fat transfer procedure will only be able to increase one’s breast volume by about one cup size. For a more striking difference, patients should ask Dr. Ashruf if implants would be best for them.
Face
The face loses volume and contour with age, particularly in the lips and cheeks, and wrinkles start to form around the forehead, eyes, nose, and mouth. A face fat transfer utilizes fat from other parts of the body to restore volume and lift to the parts of the face that appear deflated or sunken, such as the cheeks. It can also work to smooth out deep crease, wrinkles, and fine lines. For many patients, a facial fat transfer is an attractive alternative to the more invasive facelift or shorter lasting dermal fillers. Fat grafting can also be used to fill in depressions from scarring due to acne or otherwise.
Hands
Besides the face, the hands are one of the first parts of the body to show our age. To combat this, hand rejuvenation is possible through fat grafting. Fat can be injected into the hands to add volume where the hands have began to sink, such as between the fingers and to smooth the appearance of wrinkles and lines. It can also help correct the exaggerated appearance of veins and tendons.
The Procedure
At Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and Laser Center of Maryland, Dr. Ashruf performs fat transfer procedures under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The first step of the procedure is to harvest fat from the predetermined donor locations on the body. Liposuction is performed by inserting tubes called cannulas through small incisions to suction the excess fat from the body.
What sets Dr. Ashruf’s practice apart is that he utilizes the Revolve system by LifeCell to purify the fat grafts. When the fat is extracted from the body, it is then immediately processed and cleaned in a single closed system. This means that it never comes into contact with the outside air, which reduces risk of infection. The Revolve system purifies the fat to separate it from unwanted materials, such as blood and other contaminants. This leaves only the most viable fat behind for injection. The Revolve system also significantly cuts down on the time that it takes to perform the procedure, although the duration of the procedure will vary depending on the specifics of the individual’s case.
In the final step of the procedure, the purified fat is transferred into a syringe. Again, the fat never comes into contact with the air and remains in a closed system for maximum sterilization. The syringe has a very fine needle that is used to inject the fat back into the part of the body to be augmented or rejuvenated. Dr. Ashruf will inject the fat into the optimum places to ensure maximum survival of the fat graft.
Following the procedure, patients will be taken to a special recovery room where they will be able to wake up from anesthesia surrounded by our skilled and caring staff. The patient will be properly bandaged and provided with the necessary aftercare garments. We ask that all patients make arrangements for a ride home prior to their surgery.
Consultation
During the patient’s consultation at our Hanover, Maryland office, Dr. Ashruf will discuss with the patient their aesthetic goals and current lifestyle. If diet and exercise have not produced the results that the patient desires, then the doctor will help the them determine whether or not a fat transfer procedure may be a good fit. In order to determine the patient’s candidacy, Dr. Ashruf will conduct a physical exam and ask the patient about their medical history. The doctor will also make sure that the patient has adequate fat on their body to perform the procedure.
There is no pressure to book an appointment at the time of the consultation. We encourage patients to take all the time they need when deciding whether or not cosmetic surgery is right for them. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions that may come up during or after the consultation.
Nonetheless, if patients would like to schedule an appointment at that time, they may do so. The doctor will go over all of the information about the procedure in depth. This will include how to prepare for the procedure and what to expect during and after their surgery. Patients will be instructed on how much time they should plan to take off from work following the surgery in order to heal.
The cost of a fat grafting procedure can vary greatly depending on the specifics of the patient’s case. In order to get an accurate cost estimate, please request a fat transfer consultation. For patients interested in financing, we have relationships with some of the top medical credit providers. Feel free to ask more about our financing options at the consultation.
