With fat transfer procedures, patients can use unwanted fat from one area of the body to enhance or augment another. Plastic Surgery and Dermatology Associates offers fat transfers and other advanced cosmetic procedures to patients in Fairfax, Washington DC, Arlington and Annandale, VA, and the greater DMV region.
What is a Fat Transfer?
A fat transfer, also called fat grafting, is a cosmetic technique that uses unwanted fat from one area of the body to augment another. Fat is first collected from the body using liposuction, then it is injected into the desired area of the body much like dermal filler and injectables. Patients commonly choose to take fat from their abdomen, hips, or legs to enhance their figure. This fat is most often injected into the face to correct age-related volume loss in the cheeks. It can also help smooth out nasolabial folds and other deep wrinkles. The fat transfer technique can also be used to enhance the buttocks and the breasts, either with a Brazilian butt lift or as a breast augmentation technique.
How Much Does a Fat Transfer Cost?
The cost of your fat transfer at Plastic Surgery and Dermatology Associates will depend on a number of factors. During your initial consultation, we will review your treatment goals in order to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your personal needs. Once this treatment plan is developed, we will be able to provide you with the exact cost of your procedure. In an effort to keep our treatments accessible, we are proud to accept CareCredit® financing in addition to traditional payment methods.
How is a Fat Transfer Performed?
The first step in a fat transfer procedure is harvesting fat from the body. This is done via liposuction, often in the abdomen, buttocks, hips or thighs. Once the fat is collected, it is purified to prepare it for injection. Then, the fat is injected into the desired area much like traditional injectable treatments. Once the desired results are achieved, the treatment is complete.
What is the Recovery Like After a Fat Transfer?
The recovery after a fat transfer will vary depending on the treatment area. Typically, patients will experience mild bruising or swelling in the injection area, as well as the area where liposuction was performed. However, these effects should fade within a week or two. Patients are generally able to resume normal activities within a few days. If fat is transferred to the buttocks, the recovery may differ because you will have to avoid sitting directly on the treatment area while it heals. During your consultation, Dr. Mirali will provide you with specific recovery instructions based on your personal treatment plan.
Are the Results from a Fat Transfer Permanent?
With fat transfer procedures, there is always a risk that some of the fat doesn’t “take,” meaning the body will break it down. To compensate for this, extra fat may be injected to ensure the desired results are achieved. Within a few weeks of the procedure, you will be able to notice the final results of your treatment. You can expect these results to be long-lasting, given there are no fluctuations in weight in the treatment area.
To learn more about the fat transfer procedure or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mirali, contact us today. Plastic Surgery and Dermatology Associates is proud to offer fat transfers to residents of Fairfax, Washington DC, Arlington, Annandale, and the neighboring areas of the DMV community.