Lipotransfer (fat grafting) is now a very common technique. It uses the patient’s own fat to add volume to various parts of the face and body.
In addition to adding volume, lipotransfer reduces scarring by improving the quality and elasticity of the overlying skin.
First, the plastic surgeon collects fat cells from the patient’s body and processes them for transfer. The surgeon then injects the fat cells back into the patient’s body or face, in the area selected for treatment.
Fat transfer is applied to any area the patient wishes to increase volume.
Applications for the face:
– Increasing lip volume
– Increasing cheekbone volume
– Filling the nasolabial fold
Applications for the body:
– Increasing breast volume
– Augmenting the buttocks
– Correcting irregularities after liposuction
In small volume lipotransfers, the procedure can be done with local anesthesia and/or sedation. In large volume lipotransfers, general anesthesia is required.
The patient leaves the hospital usually on the same day, a few hours after the procedure. Depending on the scope of the procedure, he can return to work in 1-7 days.