Fat Grafting

Offered at our convenient location in Raleigh, NC

Fat Grafting Restylane Allen Aesthetic Surgery Dr. Amber Allen

Fat grafting is a process in which a surgeon transfers unwanted fat from one area of the body to another that could benefit from smoothing or plumping. In some cases, substances like Restylane and Radiesse are used instead of the patient’s own fat in the face, but fat grafting is always superior to artificial replacements. Even in instances where artificial substances like Restylane and Radiesse are suitable, it is possible in some rare cases for the patient to experience a negative reaction to these hypoallergenic substances. The use of the patient’s own fat cells ensures that this kind of reaction will not occur, and it often results in longer-lasting and more satisfying results. Whether it is for contouring or anti-aging purposes, fat grafting can create transformative results in a minimally invasive manner.

At Allen Aesthetic Surgery, we understand each patient’s desire to amplify their natural beauty and feel confident in how they present themselves to the world. Our practice is led by the artistic and surgical expertise of double board-certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Amber Allen. Dr. Allen prides herself on staying up-to-date with the latest findings in her fields of practice. She balances her professionalism with her ability to take time with each patient to get to know their individual needs and concerns.

To get in touch with our Raleigh office today, request your consultation online or call (919) 676-5052, and we will help find a time and date that works well with your schedule.

About Fat Grafting

Fat grafting is a low-risk procedure that relies on liposuction techniques to safely harvest fat using a suction device called a cannula. After collection and purification, surgeons transfer the fat to another subcutaneous region, where the fat cells will continue to flourish. This lipofilling process can serve to correct hollowness and signs of aging in nearly any area of the body or face.

Facial Fat Grafting

The face, in particular, loses much of its youthful plumpness and exhibits lower skin elasticity over time, making fat grafting a highly sought-after procedure for revitalization. If you have any of these cosmetic concerns listed below, consider choosing this comprehensive, long-lasting method over the temporary effects of dermal fillers:

  • Facial hollowness
  • Deep folds within the forehead
  • Sunken temples
  • Sunken-looking eyes
  • Deep tear troughs
  • Puffy eye bags
  • Nasolabial folds
  • Marionette lines
  • Jowling
  • Lip volume loss
  • Weak chin (1)

Fat Grafting for the Body

Many patients choose lipofilling to accentuate attractive curves in a way that provides a natural feel over the firmness of implants. For the body, Dr. Allen can strategically re-inject your fat deposits to the:

  • Buttocks: Also known as the Brazilian butt lift, or BBL, this is arguably the most popular and well-known fat grafting procedure.
  • Back of the hands: Patients can hide the appearance of prominent tendons, veins, and wrinkles with a thin layer of transferable fat.
  • Breasts: While fat grafting breast augmentations do not produce the same dramatic results as implants, they can provide subtle volumization by about 1 cup size. (2)

Candidates for Fat Grafting

Candidates for a fat grafting procedure include those in good overall health who want to sculpt more symmetrical, attractive contours or combat fat atrophy related to aging. The ideal patient has not been able to get the cosmetic results they want from Botox or fillers. Facial fat grafting may not be the most suitable option for those who have burn scars in the treatment area, a lipid disorder, an excessive bleeding disorder, or a history of cardiovascular disease. (1) Those who are prone to developing keloid scars should speak with Dr. Allen about how to mitigate this risk. Patients should have adequate fat deposits to harvest fat from; those with a low body weight may not qualify.

Personal Consultation

When you schedule a consultation with Dr. Allen, you can expect to gain more in-depth information regarding the procedure, preparation steps, and aftercare instructions to promote fat cell survival. She may identify possible donor areas for fat harvesting where excess fat usually develops, such as the back, hips, thighs, or abdomen. During this 45 to 60-minute meeting, you will have the chance to ask questions and clarify any concerns you may have. You will discuss with her the pros and cons of alternative treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers, allowing you to weigh out your options. After evaluating the treatment areas you would like to improve, she will determine whether or not fat transfer is right for you and the results you can expect.

To get started taking your first steps toward a more rejuvenated look, call Dr. Allen’s practice in Raleigh at (919) 676-5052 or fill out her contact form.

Preparation

Fat Grafting Restylane Allen Aesthetic Surgery Dr. Amber Allen

There are some essential preparation steps you should take to promote a smooth fat grafting procedure and excellent results. If you are a smoker, you should quit at least 6 weeks beforehand and a few weeks after to optimize your cardiovascular health and help you heal faster. You should consult Dr. Allen on which medications to stop taking; in particular, blood-thinning medications can potentially cause problems. In the weeks leading up to your fat grafting procedure, you should work to maintain a stable weight. On the day of, you should arrive in comfortable and loose-fitting clothing that will be easy to change out of after the procedure is finished.

Fat Grafting Procedure Steps

Dr. Allen completes the fat grafting procedure in three stages, no matter what area of the body you would like to enhance:

  • Fat harvesting
  • Purification
  • Reinjection

After providing you with the anesthesia most appropriate for your treatment, Dr. Allen will first make a tiny incision in the chosen donor area- an aspect of the procedure discussed during your consultation. This incision is only 0.4 to 1.5 cm in length, just large enough to insert a cannula to administer tumescent anesthesia. This solution further numbs the region, engorge fat cells, and prevent bleeding.

Next, Dr. Allen will insert a VASER (vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance) device. VASER’s long, thin probe will enter just under the skin to administer ultrasound to break up the fat deposits with controlled thermal energy. VASER liposuction allows Dr. Allen to remove a larger concentration of fat and pose minimal damage to surrounding tissues during the fat-removal portion of the procedure.

After applying VASER, she will use a cannula to suction the necessary amount of fat, slimming down unwanted bulges. After collection, she will purify these deposits using a sterile solution and another process to remove the solution from the fat. The goal of purification is to eliminate unneeded components. (3)

Finally, Dr. Allen will reintroduce the fat back into the body or face through prepared injections. She will be sure to distribute the fat deposits evenly in the treatment area, providing lift, shape, and projection in the most natural way possible.

Recovery and Results

Your recovery will be highly dependent on the extent of your procedure and the location of the treatment area. You may experience some bruising, swelling, and tenderness in both the augmented area and the donor area, but over-the-counter medications recommended by Dr. Allen can manage these symptoms. For larger-scale fat grafting procedures, such as the Brazilian butt lift, you may need prescription medications to help you prevent and treat discomfort. It is important to understand that not all the fat that is transferred will survive the process and some patients have more than one fat grafting procedure in order to obtain desired results.

In both the donor area and treatment area, you will have to wear a compression garment for a set amount of time to facilitate healing and allow the skin to retract normally. Over the next few weeks, some fat cells will die and some will graft, but these are completely normal changes. Dr. Allen will take this into account when performing the procedure. Typically, final volumizing results settle in a few weeks to a few months post-procedure. Still, these results are worth it because they can last a lifetime, as long as you maintain a stable weight.

Cost of Fat Grafting in Raleigh

Fat grafting procedures are varied and highly specified to one’s needs, so Dr. Allen will determine the total cost on an individualized basis. We want you to make an educated decision you can be confident with well before your procedure appointment.

To get in contact today, fill out our online form or call our location in Raleigh at (919) 676-5052. We present a welcoming and professional environment for you to discuss your aesthetic concerns.

Consider Dr. Allen’s other services discussed in-depth on our blog.

FAQ

What kind of anesthesia is required for fat grafting?

Certain fat grafting procedures, like facial fat grafting, only require sedation and local anesthesia. For more comprehensive augmentations, like the Brazilian butt lift, you will require IV/oral sedation with local anesthesia or general anesthesia.

How long do the results of fat grafting last?

The results you notice a few months after a fat grafting procedure are permanent. Over time, your skin will experience natural aging, but the fat established at the time of the procedure will remain. However, if you lose weight, the transferred fat cells may atrophy, just like other fat deposits in your body.

Is fat grafting more effective than dermal fillers?

Fat grafting provides permanent results, whereas dermal fillers may only last a few months or years, depending on the formulation. However, you also need to know that it may take more than one session for desired results as not all the fat will survive the transfer process.

References

  1. Vasavada, A., & Raggio, B. S. (2021). Autologous Fat Grafting For Facial Rejuvenation. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557860/
  2. Davis MJ, Perdanasari AT, Abu-Ghname A, et al. Application of Fat Grafting in Cosmetic Breast Surgery. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2020;34(01):024-029. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0039-1700958
  3. Bellini E, Grieco MP, Raposio E. The science behind autologous fat grafting. Annals of Medicine and Surgery. 2017;24:65-73. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amsu.2017.11.001