If you want to increase the size or shape of an area of your body, you may wish to consider undergoing a fat transfer.
Fat transfers involve using liposuction to remove fat from one area of the body and inject it into the desired area, making it look larger, more toned and natural.
How is fat transfer performed?
Fat transfers involve using liposuction to harvest fat from a donor area of the body. Common areas include the thighs, hips and abdomen.
Centre for Surgery uses the PAL lipo method, which is a newer version of liposuction that is considered safer than the more traditional methods. Unlike other methods, PAL lipo does not use heat, and uses smaller cannulas, meaning there is less risk of damage to your body, and less swelling and bruising afterwards.
PAL lipo first involves softening the fat and separating the fat globules. This makes the fat easier to extract and ensures there is less damage to the blood vessels and stromal network. Next, an incision is made and the fat is removed using smaller cannulas than what would be used in traditional liposuction. This reduces the likelihood that you will have uneven results.
Once the fat has been extracted, it is then processed and purified. Once this is completed, the fat can be injected into the area of the body which is receiving the transfer.
The amount of fat taken and injected will depend on how much fat you have available on your body and what you want the overall outcome of the procedure to be.
The surgery will be performed using TIVA anaesthetic. This has a faster on and offset than a general anaesthetic, and will leave you with a better sense of wellbeing afterwards. Throughout the procedure, you will be breathing on your own, rather than through a breathing tube, lessening the risk of damage to your throat and teeth. After the procedure, you will be able to return home once the effects of the TIVA anaesthetic have worn off.
Where can I have a fat transfer?
There are numerous areas of the body you can have fat transferred to, including:
What is the difference between fat transfer and implants?
There are numerous differences between fat transfers and implants. These will help you decide which one is more appropriate for you.
- Fat transfers only use your own fat, while an implant inserts a foreign object, which makes fat transfers preferable to those who do not want implants in their body
- Fat transfers are performed by using liposuction, while implants involve an incision
- Implants are able to be custom-made and will be able to achieve a larger size than fat transfers. The size of your fat transfer will also be limited by the amount of fat you have available on your body.
- Fat transfers will decrease in size, as the body will naturally absorb some of the fat. Meanwhile, implants will always stay the same size.
What is the fat transfer recovery period like?
This will vary depending on where on the body you had the fat transfer to, and how much fat was taken and transferred. After surgery, it is normal to experience some swelling and tenderness. This will go down within one to two weeks. You will have to wear a compression garment, which will also help to improve the size of the fat transfer, as well as speed up the recovery period.
You will have to avoid any strenuous physical activity for four to six weeks. You will have to avoid sleeping and/or sitting on the area where the fat was transferred to. If you had fat transferred to your breasts, you will have to sleep on your back. Meanwhile, if you had fat transferred to your buttocks, you will need to sleep on your front and avoid sitting on your buttocks for the first few weeks post-surgery.
Are you interested in fat transfers or body contouring implants? Centre for Surgery offers a range of options for both procedures. Contact us today to find out more or to book a consultation.