A fat transfer is a type of surgery that moves fat from one area of your body to the other. Some also refer to this type of procedure as a ‘fat graft’ or ‘lipomodelling.’
Fat transfers aim to take fat away from parts of the body like the belly or legs and use it to enhance another area like the breasts or face.
Even though this a relatively simple procedure, it is a crucial choice you want to make only if fully committed. It is not cheap, the results are not always 100 percent, and there may be risks along the way.
So consider the following questions before making the decision:
How Much Does it Cost?
It could range anywhere from $5,000 to $9,000. Average butt augmentations using fat grafting cost on average, $4,341, according to an estimate from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, while RealSelf.com pegs the price much higher, at $8,625. In general, the larger the treated area, the higher the amount you can expect.
Where Do I Go?
Do your research and look for a trained doctor near you. A professional, board-certified surgeon should always be in charge of your fat transfer, which will minimize risks and optimizes results. Many people turn to bootleg, uncertified locations for butt lifts, a risky move that is unlikely to leave patients satisfied.
How Does it Work?
A fat graft can be done under general or local anesthesia. Keep reading to learn about other procedure specifics:
Eliminating Fat
Minor cuts are made in the skin, a slender tube sucks out the unwanted fat, and then the material is put back into the desired area of the body.
Getting the Fat Ready
Specific equipment is used to prepare the fat to be inserted into other areas of the body.
A special needle and syringe suck out the fat, which is later injected back into the chin, breasts, or wherever desired. This process usually lasts a few hours. Depending on the case, you may go home after the operation or stay overnight for observation.
Once the fluid has been collected, it is then treated to remove excess fluid and other undesired material from the damaged fat cells. This process typically uses a centrifuge to filter the material, although some doctors may simply strain or wash it before reinjection. Once the doctor finishes treating the fat, he or she will insert it into syringes for injection. This step uses tools called cannulas, designed to inject or suction material while doing minimal damage to fat cells.
Recovery
You will need someone to drive you home after leaving the hospital, and it may take a few weeks to completely recover. Again, every case is different. You might want to work from home or arrange some vacation days.
During the procedure, you may not feel pain, but will almost certainly feel some a few days or weeks after. With painkillers, you should be able to manage discomfort seamlessly.
Side Effects to Expect
After getting a fat transfer, it is reasonable to expect the following:
- A great deal of bruising and swelling
- Feelings of being numb
- Minor scars – these will fade over time
- The body may reabsorb some of the fat in newly transferred areas. Doctors address this by carefully injecting more fat than you may think is necessary, and using techniques to disperse the fat evenly.
What Could Go Wrong
This type of surgery usually is safe, but in rare cases, the following can occur:
- Hematoma (when blood collects underneath the skin)
- Fat tissue may disappear
- Fat embolism
- Air leaking into space between your lungs and chest wall (pneumothorax)
- Dense, noticeable scars
ALL Surgeries Have Some Risks Like:
- Too much bleeding
- Blood clots in your veins
- Risk of getting infected
- Suffering an allergic reaction to the anesthesia
It is vital that your surgeon goes over the entire procedure and the risks involved before you undergo surgery.
What To Do If You Have Problems
As stated earlier, any cosmetic surgery has its risks, and sometimes things do not go as expected. These possibilities also exist during recovery. If you experience redness, swelling, or pain that you may think is not healthy, you must go back to the doctor who treated you for a check-up.
If you are not content with the outcome or believe the procedure wasn’t done the way you would have liked, speak with your surgeon, hospital, or whoever treated you. Always be open about your concerns and the care you want to receive.
Getting a fat transfer is a big choice to make. Measure your options, be aware of the process, and make sure you like the surgeon who will be performing your procedure.