Fat transplantation or fat transfer is the method of removing fat from one area of the body and replacing it in another in order to enhance features for a more natural look and feel. For more than 100 years, this procedure has been used by physicians to help patients minimize visible scars. However today, Advanced Aesthetics uses this tried and true treatment to help Idaho patients visibly enhance body areas such as the lips, buttocks, hollowed cheeks, sunken eyes, hands and breasts. Enhancing physical features without the use of implants or synthetic compounds helps patients to achieve a naturally enhanced look. But many wonder how the fat transfer procedure works.
The procedure starts by numbing the area that the fat is being removed from. While fat can be removed from any area of the body, we most often target the abdomen, thighs and buttocks because these areas most often contain the most excess fat. Depending on the amount and the area in question, the procedure is performed under either 'twilight sedation' or general anesthesia. Areas that need a small amount can even be done under local anesthetic. Once the proper level of numbing or sedation has been administered, the fat is then taken from the targeted area using a traditional liposuction technique.
A thin straw like tube called a cannula is inserted into the removal area and works to suction out the fat. The fat cells are then processed so that they can be transferred or re-injected into the target enhancement area. During the transfer portion of the treatment, a significant amount of the fat will be reabsorbed by the body. Because of this, we will over correct the targeted area by injecting up to 30% more fat into the treated area. We do this because fat transfer results are not always predictable. Once the fat is transferred into the newly treated area, it can take several days for the blood to reach the fat cells. Depending on how long it takes, up to 60% of the transferred cells can be reabsorbed by the body. Because of this, Coeur d'Alene patients will need to undergo 3-4 treatments over a six month period in order to reach their desired results. Each time we perform the fat transfer treatment, more fat accumulates, which leads to lasting results. Most dermal fillers will only provide enhanced results for 3-9 months; fat transfer results have been known to last years.
At Advanced Aesthetics, our fat transfer procedure offers patients many lasting benefits. Since the enhancement materials used in this treatment are fat cells that belong to the patients themselves, there is no chance of an allergic or rejection reaction. The natural fat used in the fat transfer treatment also feels more natural than a synthetic injection or implant. After each treatment, patients will see improvements immediately, with final results taking a few months or longer to be evident.
General side effects for the fat transfer treatment can include redness, swelling, bruising, scabbing and pain at the injection site; however these are not long lasting and do not require extensive downtime. For patients in the Coeur d'Alene, ID area who are looking to enhance physical features quickly, easily and naturally, consider fat transfer treatments at Advanced Aesthetics.
