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. 22 Plastic Surgery allows patients to achieve enhancements in various areas of their bodies using their own fat, leaving them with natural-looking results.

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Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary. Photos in our online gallery are of actual patients of our practice who have provided consent to display their pictures online.

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:

  • Butt
  • Breasts
  • Face

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.

Benefits of Fat Transfers

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.

Here are some of the main benefits:

  • Wrinkles are filled
  • Increased definition & improving contours
  • Improving skin texture
  • Some changes are permanent
  • Less risk of reactions or complications
  • Two problems can be addressed at once

See Our Fat Transfer Work

If you would like to learn more about how fat transfer can transform your image, request a consultation online or call our office at (801) 937-9650. Our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr Moores & Dr. Reuben, are eager to meet you and help you on your aesthetic journey.

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Fat Transfer
Frequently Asked Questions

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 fat transfer 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

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.

Let’s talk!

Schedule a consultation with one of our doctors.