Fat Grafting

Autologous fat transfer to enhance the breasts provides beautifully subtle and natural-looking results. Unlike breast implants, the surgeon does not need to make a large incision, which means that any scarring after fat grafting should be minimal and generally unnoticeable. Common breast implant risks like capsular contracture or implant displacement are nonexistent with fat grafting. Additionally, the initial removal of excess fat from another area of the body makes it so that the procedure improves multiple body contours at once.

Candidates for fat grafting have good physical health, do not smoke, and are at a stable body weight, with troublesome diet-resistant and exercise-resistant areas of localized fat. Candidates also want to enhance their curves, usually their breasts. Candidates should not be morbidly obese or have significant health issues such as heart disease or diabetes, as these circumstances are associated with increased risk of complications. This procedure is an excellent option for individuals who desire natural breast augmentation without the risks associated with breast implants. This procedure is not recommended for individuals who are very thin and who have little to no excess fat available for harvesting.

After making a minor incision in the harvest site (the pocket of stubborn fat that you want to trim down), Dr. Aycock will insert a thin, hollow tube beneath the skin and use liposuction technology to extract the excess fat cells. Next, the extracted fat cells will be processed and prepared for reinjection to the breasts. Finally, the processed fat will be injected into the breasts (the target site) to enhance breast fullness and shape.

As with any surgery, fat grafting will leave surgical scars. However, these scars will be minor as the incisions are quite small- typically less than one centimeter. Dr. Aycock will make every effort to ensure that any scarring will be minimal and inconspicuous. For most patients, fat transfer surgical scars fade significantly over time.

Grafting is a common practice in medicine and has many applications. For example, a burn victim may receive a skin graft, in which healthy skin is surgically transplanted to the burn site. Your body’s own fat cells are natural to you, which means that they can be safely extracted and reinjected into your body without risk of rejection or allergic reaction. While every surgery has the risk of complications, fat grafting is considered safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Every surgery has the risk of complications. Risks associated with fat grafting include adverse reactions to anesthesia, infection, swelling, bleeding, numbness, skin discoloration, scarring, pain, fat necrosis, fat displacement, cysts, and dissatisfaction with results. These risks are significantly lower when fat grafting is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Aycock will discuss the risks and benefits of fat transfer with you to help you determine whether this procedure may be right for you.

Most people plan to take one week off from work to recover from fat transfer surgery. You will need to avoid strenuous activity for several weeks afterward. Any swelling or bruising should subside within a few weeks. Dr. Aycock will be there to monitor your recovery and advise you on when to return to work and exercise.

Since fat grafting involves permanent fat redistribution, the results are usually long lasting. Some of the fat cells that have been transplanted may become displaced or die; however, great care is taken to ensure that as many fat cells as possible will survive and that the final results will be just what you are looking for. The best way to keep your body from regaining stubborn fat is to avoid weight gain and live a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise.