Fat transfer surgery is often done for those looking to enhance their physical appearance. However, it also can be used by plastic surgeons as a means of body reconstruction. At AdventHealth, you have access to this minimally invasive procedure through our expert surgeons to provide whole-person care you deserve.
Read on to hear from one of our experts, Omar Beidas, MD, FACS, on everything you need to know about how fat transfers work within plastic surgery.
What Is Fat Transfer Surgery?
Fat transfer involves the movement or transfer of fat cells from one area of the body to another,” Dr. Beidas tells us. He goes on to say, “This procedure is used to enlarge an area of the body, such as breasts or the buttocks, or for enhancement. It can also be used to treat chronic pain after surgery and even reverse radiation changes after cancer treatment.”
Due to the nature of the procedure, fat transfer surgery is also known as fat grafting. Fat is collected from one part of the body and then grafted into another location, where it relies on its new home for nutrients and blood.
How Is Fat Transfer Performed, and Who’s It For?
Dr. Beidas says, “The fat is collected from one area using liposuction. However, instead of discarding the fat, it’s reinjected into the recipient site.” For many, this procedure is done to enhance the breast, like in a breast augmentation, or buttocks, known as a Brazilian butt lift. Usually, the fat is collected from the patient’s belly, hips or thighs, as these are common areas of excess fat. Your plastic surgeon can transfer the fat to many body parts, including your:
- Breasts
- Buttocks
- Face
- Hands
- Hips
This procedure is highly versatile, making it a viable option for most people. Dr. Beidas says everyone is a good candidate for it. However, we know you may have concerns about the safety of the surgery. Dr. Beidas assures us, “It’s a minimally invasive procedure and extremely safe. Smaller volumes of fat can even be performed in the office.” He says, “When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon using proper technique, it’s very safe. For high-risk areas like the buttocks, we perform these under ultrasound so we can see where the fat is being injected.”
What Are the Benefits of Fat Transfer Surgery?
Fat transfer surgery has potential benefits for everyone, depending on the purpose of the surgery. For those looking at breast reconstruction after cancer treatment, this is an amazing option because it uses their own cells and avoids having to use implants.
Dr. Beidas tells us, “This procedure can be used to reconstruct parts of the body. For example, after the removal of tissue, it can be used to replace fat in the breast or other parts of the body after cancer cell removal. It’s used to help augment the breasts naturally instead of using implants.” Other benefits include its ability to rejuvenate tissue, make aesthetic enhancements, help with nerve pain and even cover scars from previous operations.
How Effective Is Fat Transfer?
With fat transfer surgery, many people wonder how effective this procedure is and if it lasts. Dr. Beidas tells us, “The transferred fat will last forever after an initial period where some is lost.” He goes on to say, “Generally, 20 to 30% of the transferred tissue does not survive, and surgeons will transfer more than what’s needed to compensate for this loss. However, after about three months, what survives will remain forever.”
Visit your doctor immediately if you experience:
- A high fever
- Excessive bleeding
- Fluids leaking from your incision
- Lasting dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Redness at the incision site
We’re here to help you feel whole on your road to recovery, and we’re dedicated to providing you with expert, whole-person care for whatever you may experience.
What Does Recovery Look Like After Fat Transfer Surgery?
Like any other surgery, recovery is a big part of its success. Dr. Beidas says, “Usually, recovery is two weeks before a patient returns to daily activities. However, strenuous activity may be limited to four to six weeks.”
“Depending on the condition, this procedure may need to be repeated. For example, most women wanting total breast reconstruction using this technique will need to undergo two to three sessions to recreate the volume of their native breast tissue,” he says.
Your Trusted Health Partner
At AdventHealth, we seek to care for all of you in body, mind and spirit. With us, you have access to fat transfer surgery, no matter the reason. Visit us here to request an appointment with Dr. Beidas. You deserve to love the way you look and to walk in confidence.
