Fat Transfer – Skin Fullness
Fat transfer procedure plump up creased, furrowed, or sunken skin; add fullness to lips and backs of hands. Works best on thin, dry, light-colored skin. Uses one’s own liposuctioned fat from abdomen, thighs, or other donor sites.
Alternative to fat transfer could be Collagen, Fascian Silicone, Cymetra Artecolle or Hyaluronic Acid.
During the fat transfer procedure fat is suctioned from a body part, namely abdomen, thighs or other areas. Fat is cleaned and processed and is immediately injected into the desired areas. Typically two to three treatments are required over a six-month period to correct most dermal depressions. Improvements with fat are progressive. After the first treatment you may not see much change, but each additional treatment yields more improvements. Rather than getting re-injected every 4-6 months, as with Collagen, Fat is front loaded, that is, 2 or 3 treatments are done in fairly rapid succession, and then no more re-augmentation is done until a year or more.
The best candidates for fat injection are men and women who are physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in their expectations. Most are 18 or older.
After the first fat transfer treatment you may not see much change, but each additional treatment yields more improvements. Rather than getting re-injected every 4-6 months, as with Collagen, Fat Transfer is front loaded, that is, 2 or 3 treatments are done in fairly rapid succession, and then no more re-augmentation is done until a year or more.
Because fat is taken from your own body it is not possible to get allergic reactions or new viral infections. Overall fat transfer is one of the safest methods available. Side Effects: Temporary stinging, throbbing, or burning sensation. Faint redness, swelling, excess fullness. Risks: Contour irregularities, infection.
There is no recovery time needed after the fat transfer procedure.
Your doctor will inject Fat with a fine-gauge needle. Most patients have found these injections uncomfortable and prefer some anesthetic. If this is the case in your situation, ask your physician about local anesthetics, such as those used in facial or dental surgery.
Do not take any aspirin or ibuprofen for 48 hours before fat transfer procedure. Apply a topical numbing cream such as Elemax or Emla 45 minutes prior to the treatment.
After the procedure place ice packs on the lips or other treated areas. Massage the treated area every 15 minutes for the first few hours.
Fat Transfer Cost
Lower bound: $2,000
Upper bound: $6,000
National average: $3,400
Fat Transfer Testimonials
“I wanted to have more luscious lips for many years but was allergic to collagen. So when I heard about the new alternatives I thought I would give it a try. Five months later, and I still like the results; gorgeous lips”
— Marcia S. Pasadena CA
