Fat Grafting

Discover more about what fat grafting is and its benefits

Fat grafting refers to the procedural transfer of fat from one part of the body to another. Fat is taken from an area of excess fat like the abdomen or thighs and injected into areas that lack volume, such as the face, hands, breasts, or buttocks. Fat grafting is also referred to as fat transfer or fat injection. It is a long-lasting procedure that is also well tolerated. What can I expect from fat grafting?

Because fat grafting utilizes fat from your own body, it is the most long lasting and natural source of filling material available as it is replacing “like with like.” If you wish to improve the overall contour of your body, rejuvenate your hands and face, or revise old scars, fat grafting is a minimally-invasive and safe option.

What are the most common fat grafting procedures?

Fat transfer to the face, hands, breasts, and buttocks are among the most common types of fat grafting procedures. Fat grafting is also used as a method of breast reconstruction – to correct for depressions caused by a lumpectomy or enhance the aesthetic outcomes of total breast reconstruction after mastectomy. While fat grafting alone is an option for total breast reconstruction following mastectomy, it is generally a process that requires at least two to four separate fat grafting procedures.

What can I expect in terms of scarring?

The scars for fat transfer are minimal to none. The incision used to harvest the fat from the donor site is generally only a few millimeters in length and can be concealed easily. The canulas used to inject the fat are even smaller, require just a small puncture through the skin to insert, and do not require sutures to close so generally scars in the recipient site cannot be identified. A board certified plastic surgeon is specially trained to analyze your unique body composition in light of your desired outcomes and will be able to give you a thorough consultation addressing specific outcomes.