Fat Grafting (Fat Transfer)

What is Fat Grafting or Fat Transfer?

Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, is a common procedure where fat is taken from one part of your body and used to enhance or restore other areas. This technique is often employed to correct body imperfections such as hip dips, augment the buttocks, or restore volume to bony hands, resulting in a more youthful and contoured appearance. The fat, referred to as autologous fat, is typically harvested from areas like the tummy, flanks, or thighs. It is then injected into areas that require rejuvenation or added volume.

Who should consider Fat Transfer?

Fat transfer may be an ideal option for individuals who:

• Want Buttocks Augmentation, Correcting Hip Dips, or Enhancing Bony Hands: Fat transfer can help add volume and contour to these areas, restoring a contoured, more youthful appearance.
• Want Facial contouring: Fat transfer is an excellent choice for individuals seeking subtle facial enhancements.
• Need Breast Enlargement: Fat transfer can be used to enhance breast volume, particularly for patients who have had breast implants or silicone, are suitable candidates for this procedure.

Am I a candidate for a fat injection?

You may be a candidate for fat transfer if you are looking to enhance areas like buttocks, hip, breast, or hands. Fat transfer can help rejuvenate these areas and may delay the need for more invasive procedures. However, it’s important to understand that while fat injections can provide noticeable improvement, they do not halt the aging process.

A consultation with a plastic surgeon can help determine if fat transfer is right for you.

Benefits of Fat Transfer

Fat transfer is an excellent option if you:

• Desire large volume enhancements, such as in the buttocks, hip dips, and breasts.
• Need small volume enhancements for areas like the face but prefer not to use synthetic dermal fillers.
• Want to correct facial asymmetries caused by congenital conditions or burn scars.

During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks, including fat resorption, where some of the injected fat may dissolve back into the body, causing a loss in volume. A personalized plan with realistic goals will be created to ensure the best possible outcome.

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Common areas of Fat Transfer

• Fat Transfer for Buttocks: Enhances the appearance of the buttocks, augmenting their size, often referred to as a Brazilian butt lift.
• Hip Dips Fat Transfer: Adds volume to the hips, creating a more feminine profile and improving the waist-to-hip ratio.
• Breast Fat Transfer: Increases breast size by one or two cup sizes, corrects breast asymmetry, and repairs radiation damage. It can also help address scar deformities resulting from lumpectomy or breast reconstruction.
• Hands and Feet Fat Transfer: Reduces wrinkles and rejuvenates the appearance of bony feet or hands.
• Fat Transfer for Face: Restores a youthful appearance by adding volume to hollow or wrinkled areas, such as under the eyes and nasolabial folds. It helps repair scars, enhances cheek volume, and improves overall skin texture and appearance.

Preparation for Fat Transfer

Fat transfer is a more extensive procedure than the use of other cosmetic injectable fillers because liposuction techniques are involved.

Your Plastic Surgeon at Reem Hospital will provide you with detailed preoperative instructions to ensure you’re fully prepared for your surgery. Such as:

• Avoid certain medications: Refrain from taking anti-inflammatory medications and blood thinners that may increase bleeding risk at least three weeks before the procedure. Stop oral contraceptive pills.
• Quit smoking: Stop smoking at least six weeks prior to surgery to promote better wound healing.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and after the surgery to maintain proper hydration.
• Arrange transportation: Ensure you have someone to drive you home after the procedure.

Procedure of Fat Transfer

• Anesthesia Administration
  The fat is typically harvested (removed) under general anesthesia.

• Procedure Duration
  The procedure usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, or more, depending on the patient, the volume to be injected, and additional procedures that are being completed at the same time.

• Fat Harvesting & Purification
  The fat is withdrawn, using a liposuction cannula from the selected area. Fat is extracted from the chosen area. Fat is allowed to separate naturally and remove the other unnecessary portions for uneventful procedure.

• Fat Injection
  The purified fat is injected into targeted areas that may be lacking volume, such as the hands, breasts, Hip dips or buttocks, to enhance contour or restore lost volume.

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Aftercare for Fat Transfer

Key Points for Post-Fat Transfer Recovery:

• Downtime: Short recovery period, with most returning to normal routines within a week or two after the surgery.
• Recovery Garments: Wear a compression body suit 24/7 for the first 3 months.
• First Night Home: Mobilize to prevent blood clots; drink fluids to flush anesthetics.
• Medications: Follow prescribed medication instructions.
• Diet: Start with clear liquids or soft, bland foods; gradually resume a normal diet while limiting salt intake and carbohydrates.
• Hygiene: Keep incisions clean and dry for 48 hours; shower on day 2 and gently cleanse the area, reapplying the compression garment.
• Positioning: Sleep on your sides or stomach (buttocks) or on your back (face); keep head elevated and change positions every 2 hours or the position suggested by your doctor.
• Activity: Walk for 2-5 minutes every 2 hours since the day after surgery. Return to non-strenuous work after 1-2 weeks and resume Gym and other activities after 4 to 6 weeks.

Results

• Initial volume increase and plumping effect may be noticeable right away, but the treated areas may appear overly augmented due to swelling.
• Swelling will gradually subside, revealing the true results within 3-4 months.
• Some fat may be metabolized and absorbed by the body. Up to half of the injected fat is reabsorbed within 3-6 months.
• The amount of fat resorption can vary, so it’s important to discuss this with your surgeon for more personalized information.

Why Choose Reem Hospital for Fat Transfer in Abu Dhabi?

The plastic surgery department at Reem Hospital is equipped with the latest modern-day technologies and the best plastic surgeons in Abu Dhabi who have a wealth of knowledge, skills, and unique techniques.

Our plastic surgery clinic houses the best plastic surgeon. We extend beyond simple procedures; we focus on understanding the patient’s needs and offer customized plans with minimally invasive techniques to ensure desired results. Our plastic surgeons are board-certified and highly experienced in fat transfer procedures. In addition to our technical expertise, we are renowned for our compassionate care and having an empathic approach. We ensure a safe environment throughout the entire healthcare journey.

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