Frequently Asked Questions About Fat Grafting
- What is fat grafting?
- At what age can fat grafting be performed?
- What does a typical fat grafting consultation entail?
- How is fat grafting performed?
- What should I expect postoperatively?
- When will the stitches be removed from my donor site?
- When will I be able to see the results?
- What are the risks of fat grafting?
- Are the results permanent?
Fat grafting is a cosmetic procedure where your own fat is used to rejuvenate the face, augment the cheeks or lips, or correct problems such as hollowness around the eyes or acne scars. Many people lose facial fat as they age and develop a hollow or gaunt look. Fat grafting can be used to correct this and give a younger, more refreshed look. Fat grafting is also referred to as free fat transfer. Some of the fat reimplanted is reabsorbed within a few months, but some of the augmentation will be permanent.
2. At what age can fat grafting be performed?
Fat grafting can be performed at any age to help correct deep acne scars or fix a facial asymmetry. For lip or cheek augmentation, it is usually done anywhere from age 20 up. It is often done on people in their 40s or 50s for correcting the hollowness that can come with age (or to correct the removal of too much facial fat in a previous cosmetic surgery).
3. What does a typical fat rafting consultation entail?
A consultation is your chance to meet and interview a plastic surgeon. The surgeon will go over your desires with you and explain your options. He or she will discuss what can realistically be achieved with fat grafting, discuss with you the risks, and determine the amount of augmentation you will need. The two of you will also discuss your medical history. Ask to see photos of his or her previous patients and ask for a referral list of patients you can speak with.
4. How is fat grafting performed?
The fat used in fat grafting is taken from elsewhere in your body. This can be done in a liposuction procedure, but a small amount of fat can be taken from the abdomen or elsewhere can be removed and used. This fat is treated to concentrate viable and whole fat cells, which are then carefully reimplanted in the treatment area. The reimplantation is done by injection or using other techniques. This is a simple in-office procedure in most cases and done under local anesthesia. You may have a small incision at the site where the fat was taken if you are not having liposuction there.
5. What should I expect postoperatively?
You can expect to be swollen, a bit bruised, and a little sore both at the treatment site and the donor site. This is normal. You should keep the treatment area as still as possible for the first few days to allow proper healing. Avoid high-impact exercise or activities for the first 2 to 3 weeks, depending upon the extent of the surgery. Your surgeon will tell you how to care for the treatment area.
6. When will the stitches be removed from my donor site?
Whether you have sutures at all depends on how much fat is being removed, whether you are having liposuction at the same time, and your surgeon's preferences. If you do need sutures, they are usually removed anywhere from 3 to 7 days after the procedure. If you are having one type of lip augmentation, where the surgeon inserts long "threads" of fat in a line within your lips, you may need a suture at either end of your lips.
7. When will I be able to see the results?
You will be a bit swollen at first and it might look like you were too augmented. This is usually just due to the swelling, but some surgeons graft in more fat than immediately needed because some fat is reabsorbed and doesn't last. However, not all surgeons do this so find out your surgeon's preference. The swelling will subside and you will usually be able to see your true results in 3 to 4 months, although you may still lose some of the grafted fat after that.
8. What are the risks of fat grafting?
The risks for fat grafting include infection, asymmetry, fatty cysts, hematoma, fat embolism, seroma, and permanent discoloration from the bruises. Most complications are rare.
It depends. There are many factors involved in how long fat grafting lasts and it appears to be surgeon-dependent. Some surgeons are able to get 10% of the grafted fat to last, but others get up to 90%! So research your surgeon carefully, read up on the differences in technique, and talk with their other patients. This is a technique that is still under a great deal of development and improvement. It really depends. but it is possible to receive results that last you many, many years.