You may have thought about getting the wrinkles on your face taken care of through some type of cosmetic enhancement.  Perhaps you have looked at the scar on your arm, wondering if there is a way to have its hollow indentation filled.  Fat transfers have been used for more than 100 years for these very purposes. This procedure might be the right option for you.

A fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is exactly what it sounds like.  A surgeon takes some of your own body fat and transfers it to a different location in your body in order to improve the appearance of your body.  Using your own body fat—rather than using collagen or Botox—feels more natural and is non-allergenic.  Many people are more comfortable with this procedure because using their own fat cells means that the injected substance is definitely biocompatible.

How Fat Transfer is Done

Fat transfer can be done at a doctor’s office, surgical center or hospital. However, it will typically be done on an outpatient basis.  No overnight stay is necessary and local or general anesthesia may be used.

The surgeon will use liposuction to harvest fat cells from the buttocks, stomach, or thighs.  The fat cells that are removed are processed and purified.  Some surgeons use a method that spins the fat cells.  Then, the fat is injected into the area that is to be treated.

Most surgeons overfill the area with fat cells.  This is because over the first three to four days after injection about 60% of the transferred cells will die and many cells will be reabsorbed into the body.

Recovery from Fat Transfer

You will have to limit your activities for about three or four weeks after the procedure, although you will be able to return to normal daily life within a day or two.  You will see swelling and bruising at both the liposuction site and the injection site.  The swelling may not completely subside for several weeks. 

Cost of Fat Transfer Surgery

Every patient is unique, so costs will vary.  Additionally, surgeon fees and facility fees will differ.  However, the typical costs will range from $5,000 to $10,000.  If fat transfer is a medical necessity, though—say, after a traumatic accident—insurance may cover some or all of the costs.

Risks from Fat Transfer

Complications from this procedure are uncommon. However, here are the possible risks:

• Uneven skin texture

• Infection

• Excessive bleeding

• Scarring

• Asymmetry when fat is injected in two areas

A consultaion with a Plastic Surgeon near you is the first step towards finding out if a Fat Transfer procedure is right for you.