Cosmetic surgery gained early favor for the impressive results achieved with a variety of body plastic surgery procedures. Over the years, many new advancements and adaptations to cosmetic procedures have become popular. One procedure gaining more popularity is using a patient’s own fat as an alternative to implants. Dr. Manuel Peña uses your own fat (also known as autologous fat) for this procedure, so there is no chance for rejection or allergic reactions. Dr Peña has been performing fat grafts (fat injections) to the face and body longer than any surgeon in this region and has a vast amount of experience and satisfied patients.
As the body ages, many of us lose some of the youthful contours with which we were born with and worked to maintain. As this occurs, areas like the breasts or buttocks can lose volume and begin to sag. Other areas like the hands may develop veins and wrinkles, and over time, these undesired issues can become more pronounced. Fat grafting and transfer is a natural solution!
What is Fat Grafting & Transfer?
Fat grafting and transfer involves the removal of excess of fat from targeted areas of the body, such as, the waist, hips, abdomen and inner and outer thighs, and then transferring that autologous fat to other areas of the body in need of extra volume, like the face, chest, breasts, or buttocks. Many patients describe this cosmetic procedure as a “win-win”. For example:
- Excess fat removed from the abdomen can be transferred to the buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift) to achieve a more-shapely derrière.
- Excess fat can be used to enhance the breast volume either for reconstructive or cosmetic purposes.
- Fat transfer is used to improve the appearance of surgical scars or postoperative contours following cosmetic or reconstructive surgery.
- The most recent use has been in converting patients with long term implant augmentations in patients requesting implant removal and lifting. The fat grafts can fill some of the voids caused by the implant removal.
- Most facial rejuvenation procedures involve the use of fat grafts to restore youthful facial volumes.
Request a consultation with Dr. Peña to discuss fat transfer procedures.
“I couldn’t be happier with my experience with Doctor Peña. The entire staff took the best care of me, and I really appreciate everything they have done for me. I would recommend anyone who is interested in a procedure to go to Doctor Peña.” - M.R.Read More Reviews
How is the Fat Grafting & Transfer Procedure Performed?
In body fat grating procedures, Dr. Peña carefully and precisely removes excess fat from targeted areas of the patient’s body using liposuction. The area(s) chosen are determined by how much fat is available and the quality of the fat, i.e., tummy, hips, and thighs. The fat is purified and compacted, then injected into the desired areas of the body for more fullness and definition.
Depending upon your body type, fat absorption and other personal factors, the longevity of your enhancement may vary. While “over-grafting” is usually performed to take into account some short-term fat graft loss, the rest is living tissue and should last for years.*
What Are The Risks Associated With Fat Injections?
Risks associated with fat injections differ primarily because of the additional “invasive” liposuction procedure to obtain the fat. Care must be taken to avoid infection and monitor the healing of two sites rather than just the one being treated.
How Long Do Fat Injections Last?
While the fat graft is transferring living tissue, the face continues to age and lose more of the existing volume, while also continuing to lose elasticity. Expect touch-up “refills” at 3-5 years.* If you are looking to rejuvenate your body appearance, Dr. Manuel Peña can determine if a fat grafting and transfer is the right procedure for you.
*Individual results may vary. Consult with Dr. Peña to see if you are a candidate.