Fat Grafting Specialist in Princeton, NJ
Fat grafting is also known as an autologous fat transfer in which fat is moved from one body area to another and reimplanted as needed. The abdomen and thighs are typically used to remove fat. Fat grafting provides a valuable solution for restoring volume to areas that have experienced fat loss due to weight loss or the natural aging process while removing unwanted fat from other areas of the body. This surgery helps to address skin abnormalities, decrease scarring, and fill in the area of your body that lost volume. Deep face creases, a loss of facial volume, and a depressed area around the breast can all be treated with this type of procedure. Learn more about the benefits of fat grafting and how Dr. Joanna Partridge, MD can help you look better and feel better too at Partridge Plastic Surgery. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations in Princeton, NJ, and North Brunswick, NJ.
Table of Contents:
What is fat grafting?
What is the difference between fat grafting and liposuction?
Who is a good candidate for fat grafting?
How much fat do you lose after fat grafting?
Fat grafting is a surgical procedure that involves transferring fat from one area of the body to another to improve or augment the targeted area. Fat grafting often involves the extraction of fat from specific areas such as the stomach, thighs, or buttocks, which is then carefully injected into targeted regions like the face, hands, or breasts.
This procedure serves as a valuable solution for restoring volume to areas that have experienced fat loss due to factors like weight loss or the natural aging process. In addition to rejuvenating and replenishing lost volume, fat grafting is known to be effective in enhancing the appearance of scars and addressing various imperfections on the body. The process begins with the extraction of fat from a donor site using liposuction techniques.
Once the fat is extracted, it undergoes processing to remove debris, excess fluid, and dead cells from the viable adipose fat cells. This can be done through decanting and centrifugation or by washing the fat with a sterile saline solution. The discarded fat cells are those that are unlikely to survive in the graft and could potentially cause complications.
In the final step of the procedure, the processed fat is reinjected into the recipient area in small droplets distributed throughout the subcutaneous tissue.
This meticulous technique ensures that each fat droplet has a good blood supply, increasing the chances of fat survival in the graft. The amount of fat injected is measured in cc’s and varies depending on the specific needs of the patient and the area of the body where the fat is being transferred.
Liposuction and fat grafting are two distinct procedures with different goals and outcomes. While liposuction involves the removal of fat from the body, primarily for contouring purposes, fat grafting focuses on transferring fat from one area to another to enhance volume and shape.
Liposuction is commonly sought after for achieving ideal body proportions and contouring, particularly for individuals desiring an hourglass figure.
In many cases, comprehensive body contouring procedures involve a combination of liposuction and fat transfer, which can be performed during the same operation. This approach is often employed in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures such as facelifts, where fat grafting can be utilized to restore volume and rejuvenate the face.
Ideal candidates for fat grafting are individuals who desire augmentation or volume enhancement in specific areas of their body. This procedure is particularly popular for enhancing the face and lips, filling depressions caused by previous liposuction, and rejuvenating the hands. It is also beneficial for patients with asymmetrical or small breasts, as well as those seeking to address irregularities resulting from birth defects or previous reconstructive surgeries.
Before undergoing fat grafting, it is essential for patients to be in good overall health. Adequate fat reserves are necessary to ensure a sufficient donor site for the procedure. Additionally, it is crucial for patients to have realistic expectations and treatment goals that align with their individual physique.
After undergoing fat grafting, approximately 50-70% of the transferred fat is expected to survive in the long term. The surviving fat behaves like normal fat in the body, providing a permanent enhancement that can also increase or decrease with weight fluctuations.
It is important to note that the results of fat grafting are not immune to factors like weight gain or the natural aging process. Several factors can influence the amount of fat that ultimately survives, including the skill of your surgeon, the specific technique employed during the surgery, and how your body responds to the transferred fat.
Fat grafting techniques can be utilized for various purposes, such as facial fat transfer or breast fat transfer, enabling individuals to achieve different desired results. Fat grafting is available at Partridge Plastic Surgery. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations in Princeton, NJ, and North Brunswick, NJ. We serve patients from Princeton NJ, North Brunswick NJ, New Brunswick NJ, Edison NJ, Sayreville NJ, Milltown NJ, Clyde NJ, Rocky Hill NJ, and surrounding areas.
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