There is no question that fat transfer is becoming more and more popular with cosmetic surgery patients across the country. In fact, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), fat transfer injections to the face, breasts, and buttocks all increased significantly between 2015 and last year. Still, despite its surging popularity, I have noticed that patients still have plenty of questions about what they can and can’t do with fat transfer. That’s why I’ve taken some time to answer some common questions about how fat transfer injections can help my patients achieve their personal aesthetic goals.
Question 1: What is the difference between facial fat transfer injections and facial filler injections?
Both fat transfer injections and dermal fillers can rejuvenate a patient’s face by plumping up areas of lost volume and improving the facial contour. The biggest difference between fat transfer and facial fillers is that fat transfer uses a patient’s own organic material, whereas facial fillers use a synthetic material instead. This makes fat transfer for the face a bit safer for certain patients, especially those who are allergic or sensitive to certain products.
Question 2: Can I dramatically increase my breast size with fat transfer injections?
Unfortunately not. Though fat transfer injections to the breast are very popular right now, they cannot replicate the dramatic increase in breast size that a breast augmentation procedure can provide. Instead, fat transfer for the breast is perfect for patients who seek a more modest, natural-looking increase in breast size, or those who want to correct a mild or moderate asymmetry.
Question 3: Will my fat transfer procedure lead to much scarring?
One of the many things my patients love about fat transfer is the minimal scarring it leaves. Because liposuction incisions are typically small, the scars left behind are also small (often just a few millimeters long). I also try to make incisions in less visible locations. Even the more visible scars left after liposuction will fade over time. Scarring may be more visible for patients who require larger liposuction cannulas or those with more darkly pigmented skin.
I hope this was educational for patients who are interested in learning more about this fantastic, versatile procedure. If you think fat transfer injections may be right for you, it’s important to bring this up during your liposuction consultation where I will determine if you have the necessary amount of fat in donor sites required for fat transfer. For more information on fat transfer injections or other plastic surgery procedures, please contact me, Dr. David Whiteman, at Southern Plastic Surgery today. You can also follow along with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more plastic surgery tips, news, and photos.