Autologous fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or fat transfer, involves harvesting fat from one area of the body and injecting it into other locations in order to plump, smooth, and contour. Dr. Cohn will perform liposuction on the chosen area using general anesthesia, IV (intravenous) sedation, or local anesthesia depending on the area selected. The fat is then cleaned and purified to prepare it for injection. Small needles are used to inject fat into target areas. Fat grafting is a well-tolerated, long-lasting procedure that is perfect for patients who want natural-looking results that are more permanent than synthetic fillers.
What Do You Desire?
Improved Definition and Smooth Skin
Redefine thin lips, sunken areas, indentations, or other irregularities on the skin. Fat grafting allows you to address precise areas that may need rejuvenation and enhanced definition.
More Slender Body Contours
Fat grafting involves liposuction to harvest the fat, and patients can choose donor areas with stubborn fat they would like to eliminate to achieve a more svelte physique.
Where Can Fat Grafting Be Done?
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Fat grafting is often performed to plump and smooth areas of the face that may be starting to look thin or wrinkled due to aging and other factors. Fat can be transferred into deep creases, wrinkles, acne scars and other depressions, hollow temples, sunken areas (such as the cheeks and below the eyes), and thin lips to rejuvenate the skin and provide youthful facial definition.
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Fat grafting can be used for breast augmentation, either alone or in addition to implants. If the patient only wishes for a moderate increase in volume, fat grafting can be used to plump and improve the breast contours. When used in conjunction with implants, it can be used to hide the edges of the implants and fix any contour irregularities.
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Fat transfer can add volume and firmness to wrinkled hands and may improve skin quality over time. Visible tendons and blood vessels in the hands can be covered, making the hands look younger.
Concerns
Consultation
Dr. Cohn will begin by performing a physical exam as well as taking measurements of the areas you wish to address.
Be prepared to answer questions about your lifestyle, medical history, drug and alcohol use, and expectations from the procedure. Dr. Cohn will then be able to recommend a course of treatment and discuss anesthesia options with you. You should have realistic expectations about the results of your procedure as well as your recovery time. He would be happy to discuss any concerns you may have and help you make any decisions.
Recovery
During the first week, significant bruising and swelling will be present.
By the second week, the bruising will begin to fade, but swelling will persist. More noticeable improvement can be seen seven to 10 days after your procedure. Three weeks after the procedure, any residual bruising can be hidden with careful application of makeup. Some slight swelling may be present for a few weeks. It is important to follow Dr. Cohn’s instructions on how to care for your incisions and when you can resume normal activities. Recovery can vary depending on the treatment site and several other factors.
Scars
While there will be no scars from the injections, there is a possibility of scarring from the liposuction procedure.
The extent of the scarring depends on several factors, including the location of the liposuction and your own genetics. Care is taken to place the liposuction incisions in places where they will be hidden if at all possible. Scars are more likely if a larger cannula is used or if the patient has dark skin.
Pain
There may be some pain following the liposuction procedure. Soreness may persist for a few days.
Pain meds and antibiotics may be prescribed following your treatment. Follow the post-surgery instructions you receive carefully to minimize the risk of pain and complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will my procedure take place?
Your fat grafting procedure will be performed in an outpatient/ambulatory surgical center, a Birmingham hospital, or our accredited, office-based surgical suite. Dr. Cohn will consult with you on the best location for your treatment.
How long will the results last?
When done well, fat grafting can have permanent results. A percentage of the fat cells do not to “take” initially, which Dr. Cohn takes into account when performing the procedure. The fat cells that remain after a few months will provide permanent enhancement.
How much does fat grafting cost?
The cost of fat grafting can vary depending on the technique being performed, surgical fees, prescriptions costs, and several other factors. Cohn Plastic Surgery is proud to offer financing to our patients. Please ask for more information during your consultation.
What kind of anesthesia will be used?
Either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia will be used for your procedure. Dr. Cohn will recommend the best choice for your surgery.
How much does a facelift cost?
The cost of Birmingham Cohn Plastic Surgery facelift surgery varies from patient to patient and is affected by surgeon’s fees, surgical technique, facility fees, anesthesia fees, medications, and associated medical testing. We offer patient financing plans for patients who may be interested.
What results can I expect?
Facelift surgery can help you achieve a more naturally youthful appearance. It is important to recognize that this procedure does not promise significant changes to your appearance and cannot halt the aging process. Nonetheless, many of our facelift patients have found that their results help them look years younger.