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Learn About Fat Grafting in Hollywood, FL

If you are like so many men and women in Hollywood, FL and elsewhere, there is a part of your face or body that you would like to enhance in some way. If you are looking at adding more volume, you have several options. You can choose dermal fillers. However, this option is only temporary. You can opt for implants, whether you are looking at lip augmentation, buttock augmentation, or another enhancement. Implants are effective, but you need to be prepared for a more involved surgical procedure. Your recovery process will most likely be lengthier as well. Fat grafting provides you with another versatile method that can add volume to practically any area of your body. It can also be used to enhance your facial features. Fat grafting with our skilled surgeon in Hollywood, FL could be the right option for you. Before you consider any other type of cosmetic procedure, find out what a fat transfer could do for you.

Take an Approach That Taps into Your Body’s Potential

Fat grafting, also referred to as a fat transfer, is a type of cosmetic procedure that has been around since the late 19th century. It was perfected by Dr. Sydney Coleman. He developed standardized practices in New York City in the 1990s that paved the way to the common use of this procedure. It can be used for elective procedures and for reconstructive purposes. It revolves around the use of excess fat in your body that is transferred to an area that you want to enhance.

How is a Fat Transfer Procedure Performed?

The fat grafting procedure begins with fat harvesting. The plastic surgeon will identify an area on your body where you have an ample supply of excess fat. The abdomen, buttocks, and thighs are common areas used for fat harvesting. The fat is removed through a simple procedure. Next, the collected fat is put through a special process to remove impurities. The fat will then be prepared for transfer before it is injected into areas where you want to increase volume in your face or body. After your procedure is over, you will have no scarring from your fat injections. You will need to undergo a period of recovery. You won’t be bouncing back to your normal activities the day after your outpatient procedure. You can expect some downtime as you heal. Give yourself the necessary amount of time before you get back to work. Talk with our plastic surgeon about any limitations in activities.

What are the Advantages of Fat Grafting Over Other Procedures?

One of the greatest advantages of choosing a fat transfer is using a natural material that is found in your body in order to enhance another part of your body. You are less likely to have any adverse side effects. Using foreign objects, such as implants, increases the risk of having a reaction. The same risks come with certain types of dermal fillers. Your results will last when you choose a fat transfer as the fat grafts to the cells in your body. The procedure is simple although it does take more time due to the fat harvesting process. The recovery process is mild compared to the use of implants. This option is also versatile. If you want more volume, you can come back for an additional fat grafting procedure. You’ll also get the additional perk of trimming down another area of your body. As you think about the benefits of fat grafting, choose the area of your face or body that you want to enhance.

Focus on Your Face

Consider a fat transfer when you want to bring back a more youthful appearance to your face. Our plastic surgeon can target wrinkles, lines, and creases in your face, filling them with fat injections. Unlike dermal fillers, you will have permanent results. You can also choose a fat transfer to get plumper lips. If you have hollows in your cheeks due to weight loss or the aging process, a fat transfer can give you more volume once again. If you have been the victim of severe acne that has resulted in depressions in your face, our surgeon could target them with fat injections.

Target the Buttocks

Many patients in Hollywood, FL prefer to tap into the fat in their body for buttock augmentation. If you would like to have more fullness in your backside, our plastic surgeon can use your own fat to bring about the desired results. Fat grafting is also helpful if your buttocks are not symmetrical.

A Note About Reconstructive Surgery

If you have gone through a mastectomy, discuss the possibility of using tissue transfer to rebuild your breasts. This method is a popular approach that can restore your confidence in your body. You may also take comfort in avoiding the use of any foreign substances in your body after a battle with cancer.

Are You a Good Candidate for a Fat Transfer?

The first thing that our plastic surgeon is going to look at is your health when considering fat grafting for you. It is best if you don’t smoke. If you have any underlying health issues, our surgeon will determine if surgery will be a safe option for you. You should share any type of medications you take that could cause complications during or after your procedure. If our surgeon cannot rule out fat grafting due to any health issues, the next step will be to determine if you have a good supply of fat for the procedure. If you are lean or extremely athletic, a fat transfer may not be possible for you. If it isn’t, our plastic surgeon will discuss other options that could give you the similar results.

How Can You Prepare Yourself for the Procedure?

If our plastic surgeon recommends a fat transfer, you can help yourself to have a positive experience by being prepared. If you are a smoker, you should stop a set amount of time prior to your procedure. You’ll need to avoid any supplements and over-the-counter pain relievers that lead to an increase in bleeding. You should ask a friend or family member to drive you to and from your procedure. It is also recommended to have someone stay with you for the initial days after your fat transfer procedure to monitor you for any complications and assist you with simple tasks.

How Long Will Your Fat Transfer Take?

The amount of time slated for your fat transfer procedure will depend on how much fat will be harvested, if you need fat removal in more than one area, and how many areas are being targeted for enhancement, among other factors. Even if you only have one area for your transfer, remember that you need to allot time for the purification process. Plan on devoting a good part of your day to the procedure. You will be monitored after your injections have been completed. Our plastic surgeon will give you clearance when it is okay to go home.

Caring for Yourself After a Fat Transfer

Our surgeon will make sure to give you specific instructions about caring for yourself. You will also learn how to care for your treatment sites. You will be sore after the procedure. This is normal. You should rest when you come home from your procedure as the medications used to make you comfortable wear off. Over-the-counter medication can help you to address any discomfort in the days following your procedure. Give your body time to heal. Avoid anything strenuous for a set amount of time after you have had a fat transfer.

Work Closely with Our Plastic Surgeon to Get the Best Results

Results vary for every patient in Hollywood, FL. If you do not feel that your fat grafting surgery gave you enough fullness, discuss your options with the plastic surgeon. You may be able to have another transfer procedure. Otherwise, our surgeon may recommend that you combine fat transfer with other alternatives.

The Benefits of a Fat Transfer

One of the best things about fat grafting is the all-natural aspect of the procedure. The surgery can be considered a win-win as it allows you to get rid of unwanted fat and then use it to enhance another area. The results look completely natural because they are natural; your own fat is being used. As you enjoy the results of your procedure, no one has to know that you had anything done. You’ll look better in the treated areas, but it won’t be obvious that a procedure was performed. That’s what most people want when they undergo plastic surgery. They want to look better, but they don’t really want anyone knowing they had “work” done.

Learn More During a Consultation

If you think that a fat transfer could be the right choice for you, make an appointment at Plastic Surgery Specialists of South Florida. You can meet with a skilled plastic surgeon to discuss this effective procedure and your candidacy for it. Your first appointment will be a consultation. No choices will be made until you have been carefully evaluated by a qualified professional. Our surgeon can provide you with an expert opinion concerning fat grafting and whether or not it can work for you. Take this opportunity to voice any concerns that you may have and ask questions. You and our surgeon will want to make sure that a fat transfer is the best move for you right now.

Plastic Surgery Specialists of South Florida is conveniently located right here in Hollywood, FL. Contact us today to set up a consultation and get started. We look forward to hearing from you!

Yoav Barnavon, MD, FACS

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