Procedure for Fat Transfer and Liposculpture

Fat Transfer and Liposculpture

Fat transfer or fat grafting is a process wherein the excess fat from respective area is transferred to an area that lacks volume. For example, fat from the thigh area can be transferred to face, breasts, buttocks and hands. Hence, liposuction is undertaken to perform the process of fat transfer and fat removal. This process not only vacuums the fat but also contours the area. Apart from this, laser fat removal process is also popular.

Advantages of Fat Transfer
Using fat from patient’s own body, which is called autologous fat, reduces the risk of rejection and allergy.

• It is natural
• It lasts very long
• Comparatively safe
• It is non-invasive
• Less stay in hospital
• Less complication

Disadvantages

• Preparing fat tissue for transferring takes time
• Limited amount of fat transfer is possible at given time and requires multiple sessions of fat transfer to get desired result in breast or buttock augmentation

Fat Transfer Areas and Results

• Facial Fat Transfer:

The fat from abdomen and thighs is removed and fat injections are administered to the face to treat facial crease, crow’s-feet, fat, acne scars, forehead wrinkles, skin depression and indentations. It will minimise age lines and sunken areas of the face can also be filled.

• Breast Augmentation:

Fat grafting of breast is done to achieve a moderate increase in breast size provided the breasts have a good shape and skin tone.

• Breast Implants Plus Fat Grafting:

During breast implant, if the breast shape needs optimizing, fat transfer can be used. It will produce a smooth contour and an optimal shape.

• Breast Reconstruction with Fat Grafting:

Breast defects after lumpectomy can be treated by fat transfer / grafting. It can also be used after mastectomy.

• Buttock Augmentation with Fat Grafting:

Brazilian butt lift uses fat transfer to get a full volume, firm and rounded buttock.

• Hand Rejuvenation with Fat Grafting:

Hands show the first and the most visible signs of ageing and the fat transfer reduces this by increasing the volume and soothing out the wrinkles.

Fat Transfer Procedure

Pre-Operative History and Evaluation is Done To:

• Check any medical conditions or previous surgeries
• Check any alcohol, tobacco and recreational drug use
• Check any non-invasive cosmetic procedures
• Take photos for the medical record
• Use computer imaging to exhibit results
• Any pre-existing health conditions/risk factors
• Evaluating elasticity of skin
• Routine blood and urine tests

Local anaesthesia along with intravenous (IV) sedatives are used for fat transfer, but for more anxious patient general anaesthesia is considered.

Fat is washed and purified after it is harvested from fat rich areas of the body. This is then injected into the specified areas that need augmentation. To get the desired result this procedure is repeated many times.

The Steps are:

• Harvesting:

A local aesthetic is administered to the site of fat harvesting. A small cut is made and liposuction is performed.

• Purification and transfer:

A centrifuge is used to remove the impurities. This fat obtained is processed for transfer to small syringes used for fat injections.

• Placement:

The site of augmentation is prepared. Along with the natural tissue planes the fatty tissue is deposited until the desired result is achieved the process is repeated

Common Sites for Fat Removal are:

• Abdomen
• The flanks
• Posterior arms
• Hips
• Thighs

Ultrasonic Liposuction

Fat is liquefied using high-pitched sound waves in specific areas before it gets removed. This fat transfer treatment is used in treating hard areas namely, knees, neck, chin, ankles calves and cheeks.

Stay For Fat Transfer and Liposculpture Treatment
1 day before the surgery and 1 day after the surgery if there is no complications. The length of the actual surgery depends on the number of liposuction sites and the amount of fat removed.

Fat Transfer and Liposculpture Indications
The procedure would be recommended in following situations -

• Face severely wrinkled and hollow
• Hands and face rejuvenation
• To improve body contour
• When temporary fillers are not suitable
• Permanent correction is desired
• Scar removal
• During breast reconstruction
• Depressions in the skin due to surgery, injury or burns
• Fill in fat deficient areas

Complications in Fat Transfer and Liposculpture

Immediate
1. Reaction to anaesthesia
2. Hematoma
3. Infection
4. Bruising
5. Pain
6. Bleeding
7. Oedema

Delayed
1. Loss of sensation
2. Scarring
3. Allergic reactions
4. Damage to underlying structures
5. Failed surgery
6. Additional procedures
7. Hyper pigmentation
8. Nerve or blood vessel injury

Rehabilitation after Fat Transfer and Liposculpture

• In the first week swelling and bruising are significant which improves within weeks.
• Within a month, patient appears normal
• Patient can use make up to camouflage any bruising
• If done well, the results are almost permanent