4 Things You Didn’t Know About Fat Transfers
Posted February 06, 2018
Know the Facts: Fat transfer history, duration, technique, and customization.
If there is one thing we all have in common, it’s that we humans have fat. Although fat is the way we store energy, men and women store it in different parts of the body. While body fat in females tends to collect around the hips, thighs, and buttocks, fat can accumulate in the abdomen for men. Females also have a higher body fat percentage than men, with a healthy percentage ranging between 25-31%. The healthy range of fat for men is between 21-24%.
Fat is essential in how the body functions. Especially in females, body fat is needed for pregnancy, energy levels, and menstruation. Many of us want as little body fat as possible, or we’re simply unhappy with how the fat is distributed. Whether it is volume where you want it and/or less fat where you don’t want it, Bellissimo Plastic Surgery & Medi Spa uses the fat transfer method to help you achieve your desired results.
Here are four facts that you probably didn’t know about fat transfers:
1. The First Fat Graft Was Performed in 1893
Believe it or not, fat transfers aren’t new. According to the US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health, the first fat graft was performed in 1893. The goal was to use upper arm fat tissue to add volume to a depressed face.
Later, in 1895, another fat transfer was performed when fat from the dorsal flank was transferred to the breast.
It wasn’t until the late 1980s that fat was harvested using liposuction and subsequently transferred to another area of the body. This was documented on a woman who had a dog bite on the right thigh and also had bilateral breast hypoplasia. The fat transfer was used to treat both areas.
Over the years, fat transfers have been perfected by board certified plastic surgeons, making them a safe procedure to redistribute fat in the body.
2. Fat Transfers are a More Permanent Solution Over Fillers
If you’re looking to add volume to areas such as the face, fillers (like Botox and Kybella) and fat transfers can both provide a fuller look to the face. However, it’s important to know that fat transfers are different than fillers. As we age, our faces tend to form grooves and the cheekbone areas may flatten, especially under the nose and eyes. The hollowness of the face tend to make women look older, and some seek fillers and fat transfers as a solution.
Fillers are laboratory-made injections that can offer an immediate and visible improvement. If the desired amount of filler isn’t reached during the initial appointment, a patient can return for another injection.
While fillers can provide a very fast result, these results may only last for several months to 2 years. To maintain the look achieved with fillers, the patient must return for more injections.
In terms of fat transfers, this provides a more permanent solution to adding volume in various parts of the body. This procedure can heal and rejuvenate tissue, which results in a beautiful and nearly permanent improvement to the area in question.
Keep in mind that fat is a loose tissue that may yield different results with varying viability. However, Dr. Antimarino works with Pittsburgh patients to ensure the most viable and aesthetically-pleasing results possible. Ideally, fat transfers will last for several years to a lifetime.
3. Fat Transfer Surgical Technique is Important
Just like any other cosmetic surgical procedure, the technique is important. Choosing a board certified plastic surgeon can help you feel empowered and happy with your results.
A fat transfer essentially involves two different steps, but they can be performed in one treatment session. Fat is removed from isolated areas of the body via liposuction, which is performed using a local anesthesia. Fat is typically removed from areas that are most dense, such as the hips and buttocks. However, it can be removed from a number of locations as long as there are a sufficient amount of fat cells.
After the fat is removed, it is purified and injected in a similar process as fillers. The difference is that these are cells from your own body, which eliminate the chance of allergic reactions.
A plastic surgeon such as Dr. Antimarino performs numerous fat transfers in Pittsburgh each year. He’s highly experienced in preoperative planning and surgical techniques to provide long-lasting results.
It’s advised to carefully choose a board certified plastic surgeon for fat transfers. Schedule several consultations and be sure to take a close look at the photos from previous fat transfer patients. Please look to our Surgeon Checklist when comparing plastic surgeons.
4. Fat Transfers are Customizable for Every Patient
Fat transfer is the perfect procedure for those who want customizable results. For example, some patients want smaller thighs and bigger breasts, while other women may prefer fat transfers in other areas of the body. The injections are strategically placed to add smoothing and unique results to your body.
To achieve results that are the best for your body, you’ll want to move forward with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in fat transfers. Dr. Antimarino provides thorough and educational consultations to describe the entire process of fat transfers. You’ll know what to expect before, during, and after your procedure. He’ll also discuss recovery lengths, results, and address any questions or concerns that you may have.
Bellissimo Plastic Surgery & Medi Spa’s goal is empowering women with fat transfers, breast health, and other areas of self-improvement for the body. To learn more about fat transfers and other cosmetic procedures, contact Dr. Antimarino to schedule a consultation at 844-496-6647.
Bellissimo Plastic Surgery offers body procedures and fat transfers in Pittsburgh. With locations in Shadyside, Monroeville, Robinson, and Greensburg, it’s easy to schedule an appointment with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Antimarino. He has been nominated one of Pittsburgh’s best plastic surgeons. He has also been ranked as a Top 500 Influencer (and most trusted doctor) in Plastic Surgery by RealSelf.
