Body

Fat Transfer
in Salt Lake City

Many patients find themselves wishing that some part of their body looked a bit ‘fuller.’ Whether it’s their breasts, butt, or areas of the face, a lack of volume can make us feel self conscious. Since the inception of plastic surgery, various methods have been used to address these issues. While implants have been the go-to method for these issues, some patients may feel apprehensive about inserting something foreign into their bodies.

Thankfully, fat transfers give patients an alternative to the implant method. Fat transfer procedures in Salt Lake City at 22 Plastic Surgery allow patients to achieve enhancements in various areas of their bodies using their own fat, leaving them with natural-looking results.

What are fat transfers?

Fat transfers, also known as fat grafts, are a procedure that involves harvesting fat from one area of the body and injecting it into another area. The most common treatment areas for fat transfers are the butt, breasts, and face, and the most common donor sites are the neck, abdomen, thighs, flanks, hips, back, and upper arms.

The fat is collected by way of liposuction. Once the fat is harvested, it is purified and prepared to be injected into the targeted areas. The practitioner is then able to shape and mold the area to the patient’s liking, giving them the look they’ve always wanted to have.

What are the benefits of fat transfers?

Wrinkles are filled in

Fat transfers are able to restore lost volume in various areas of the body. The cheeks may have a sunken-in look or lines may develop that run from the nose to the mouth. Fat grafts can improve the appearance of these areas.

Increasing definition and improving contours

One of the most popular uses for fat transfers is to enhance or improve definition in certain areas of the body. The most common areas of treatment for this are the breasts and buttocks. However, fat grafts can also be used to improve the appearance of the calves and arms.

Improving skin texture

Another big advantage of fat transfers is that the skin that overlies the treatment area sees an improvement in texture. Patients walk away with skin that looks fuller and smoother.

Some of the changes are permanent

While it is true that a good amount of the transferred fat will eventually be absorbed by the body, some of the effects of the treatment are considered to be permanent. It is estimated that the treatment area will retain anywhere from 20 to 50% of the transferred fat long-term.

Less risk of reactions or complications

As this technique utilizes the body’s own fat reserves rather than an implant or filler, there is less likelihood that the body will react negatively to it. While there are risks with virtually any cosmetic procedure, this particular one is considered to be mostly safe.

Two problems can be addressed at once

Finally, one of the greatest benefits of fat transfer is that you get the benefit of two procedures in one. Fat is removed from a part of your body where you don’t want it, and you gain volume or definition in an area where you do want it.

Who is a candidate for fat transfers?

Most adults are good candidates for a fat transfer in Salt Lake City at 22 Plastic Surgery. It is an ideal option for patients who want to see enhancements in certain areas of their body but are not comfortable with having implants put inside their bodies.

Good candidates for this procedure:

  • Have enough excess body fat in other regions of the body that can be extracted
  • Have realistic expectations for the results of the treatment
  • Are not currently receiving any intensive medical treatments
  • Are at least 18 years of age or older
  • Are of sound body and mind
  • Are not currently nursing or pregnant

What does the procedure entail?

All fat transfer procedures involve liposuction and reinjection into the targeted area. Before anything else, a comprehensive consultation is needed to determine what areas of the body fat can be harvested from. Once these have been established, the procedure commences with liposuction.

Incisions are made in the donor sites, and cannulas (tube) are placed into them to harvest the fat (by way of suction). This collected fat is then purified and prepared for reinjection into the targeted areas. The procedure can last anywhere from 4 to 5 hours.

What is the recovery process like?

Following the procedure, swelling and bruising are totally normal and to be expected. These newly-transferred cells are incredibly fragile and any additional injury can lead to fat cell death. This essentially means that the fat will be absorbed by the body rather than staying in place. Patients will have check-ins with the doctor in the following days and after a few weeks.

After a few weeks, patients will be able to slowly incorporate some activities from their daily routines. As the swelling resolves, some perceived volume in the treated area will be lost. By the six month-mark patients will see the final results of the procedure.

What are the risks associated with fat transfers?

Some risks that are often associated with fat transfer procedures include:

  • Calcification
  • Fat embolism
  • Fat necrosis
  • Oil cysts
  • Loss of volume

Why choose 22 Plastic Surgery?

Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Reuben has become renowned as one of the best cosmetic practitioners in the Salt Lake City area. With a lengthy educational and training background that includes the Medical College of Wisconsin, the University of Utah, and the University of Pittsburgh, he incorporates his vast wealth of knowledge to curate effective, personalized treatments for his patients. He is known for his dedication to cosmetic excellence and patient satisfaction, performing some of the most innovative techniques available. Call our office today to schedule a consultation.

Fat Transfer FAQ

What is the survival rate for transplanted fat cells?

Despite meticulous techniques, around 50-60% of the fat cells transferred will remain viable. For some, these numbers may be slightly higher or lower. The reason why some fat cells do not survive is that they are disconnected from their blood supply and then reconnected in the recipient area during the procedure. Your provider will compensate for this pattern by delivering an excess of donor fat to the area you wish to enhance. The fat cells that remain will continue to thrive long-term. Patients can also undergo additional fat grafting sessions to achieve the appearance they desire.

Is there an ideal age to undergo fat transfers?

Younger patients in their 30s and 40s may appear more refreshed and enhanced after fat transfer, which can help to create youthful-looking curves and offset facial volume loss. Older patients in their 50s and 60s can benefit from combining fat transfer with surgical procedures, such as a facelift or neck lift for comprehensive anti-aging results.

How many sessions are required to achieve the desired results?

For facial fat transfer, a single session is typically enough to accomplish the patient’s intended results. For treating larger areas of the physique, such as the breasts or buttocks, 2-4 fat grafting sessions may be sufficient to create the desired changes, spaced out around 3 months apart.

Schedule a Consultation Today!

If you're interested in learning more about fat transfers please contact us for a consultation at 1-801-937-9650 or fill out our contact us form. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action.

Our Locations

22 Plastic Surgery
6686 Highland Drive Ste 200
Cottonwood Heights,
UT 84121
Call Us: (801) 937-9650
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

22 Spa MD
6686 Highland Drive Ste 100
Cottonwood Heights,
UT 84121
Call Us: (801) 806-0222
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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