Also referred to as fat transfer, fat grafting is the process of using your own fat to fill any irregularities or grooves you may have in certain areas. This treatment has reached a point where it’s considered and safe and effective for many individuals looking to make aesthetic improvements without the need for invasive surgery. Dustin C. Derrick, MD is the lead plastic surgeon at Cosmetic Surgery of DFW for fat grafting and Mommy Makeovers in Ft. Worth, TX; he and his staff encourage you to learn more about the benefits of fat grafting!
Why Consider Fat Grafting?
Skin can become sunken as its natural elasticity diminishes. Other times, previous injuries or surgeries can result in groves or indentations. Fat may also gradually disappear from your cheekbones, or the natural aging process may produce deep grooves in areas already susceptible to developing lines and creases, such as the corners of the mouth or around the nose. Fat grafting may be able to resolve these issues and restore fullness in the affected area. You could also benefit from fat transfer if you have any of the following issues:
- Lines between your cheeks and lower eyelids
- Lips lacking desired fullness
- Irregularities resulting from previous liposuctions or similar procedures
How is This Procedure Performed?
A modified version of liposuction known as liposculpture is typically used to obtain the necessary fat to complete the grafting procedure. One or more small openings are made to obtain the fat that will be transferred. The fat is usually taken from the abdomen or inner thigh, though other areas may also be considered suitable. The collected fat is rinsed and processed. Next, the resulting liquid fatty tissue is prepared for injection into the area where needed. During the fat grafting process, the fat is distributed evenly.
Injecting small amounts of fat with several injections allows the transferred fat to be surrounded by healthy fat tissue. This allows the newly transferred tissue to have better access to essential nutrients and oxygen. The time it takes to complete the procedure will depend on what area is being targeted.
What Benefits Might You Enjoy?
Fat transfer or grafting is appealing for many reasons. First of all, results last much longer than what’s normally seen with dermal fillers. In fact, you might even enjoy permanent results once the transferred fat has successfully blended in with adjacent healthy fat tissue. What’s also appealing for some patients is the ability to take extra fat from an area where it may not be desired – like the buttocks, thighs, or hips – and transfer it to an area where it will be more effective and appreciated. Also, some people are allergic to materials used in dermal fillers. With fat grafting, this risk is eliminated since your own fat tissue is used.
Get In Touch with Us for More Information
Think you may be a good candidate for fat grafting? If so, we eagerly invite you to make an appointment with Cosmetic Surgery of DFW! At our convenient location in Fort Worth, our team of caring and knowledgeable professionals will be happy to explain this option to you in full. If you have any questions about fat grafting or other procedures such as the Mommy Makeover and would like to schedule a consultation with Dustin C. Derrick, MD at Cosmetic Surgery of DFW, give us a call at (817) 562-7979!
