A person's own fat may be used to improve tie appearance of the body by moving it from an area where it is less needed (usually the thights or abdomen) to an area that has lost tissue volume due to aging, trauma, surgery, birth defects, or other causes. Typically, the transferred fat results in an increase in volume of the body site being treated. Before the procedure, the areas from where the fat is being removed may be injected with a fluid to minimized bruising and discomfort. The fat may be removed from the body by a narrow surgical instrument (cannula) through a small incision or may be excised (cut out) directly through a larger incision. In some cases the fat may be prepared in a specific way before being replaced back in the body. This preparation may include washing, filtering, and centrifugation (spinning) of the fat. The fat is then placed into the desired area using either a smaller cannula or needle, or it may be placed directly through an incision. Since some of the fat that is transferred does not maintain its volume over time, your surgeon may inject more than is needed at the time to achieve the desired end result. Over a few weeks, the amount of transferred fat will decrease. At times, more fat may need to be transferred to maintain the desired results. Fat transfer procedures may be done using a local anesthetic, sedation, or general anesthesia depending on the extent of the procedure.
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS
Alternative forms of nonsurgical and surgical management consist of injections of man-made substances to improve tissue volume (such as hyanuronic acid, polylactic acid, etc.), use of man-made implants, or other surgical procedures that transfer fat from the body (flaps). Risks and potential complications are associated with alternative forms of treatment.
RISKS of FAT TRANSFER PROCEDURES
Every procedure involves a certain amount of risk, and it is important that you understand the risks involved. An individual's choice to undergo a procedure is based on the comparison of the risk to its potential benefit. Although the majority of patients do not experience these complications, you should discuss each of them with your plastic surgeon to make sure you understand the risks, potential complications, and consequences of the procedure. Bleeding- It is possible, though unusual, to experience a bleeding episode during or after this procedure. Should bleeding occur, it may require emergency treatment to drain accumulated blood (hematoma). Do not take any blood thining medications, aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (acetaminophen is acceptable) for ten days before the procedure, as these may contribute to a greater risk of bleeding or significant bruising. Tell your surgeon if you are on any of these medications before stopping them.
Seroma - Although unlikely, a collection of fluid may appear at the site where the fat was removed. This is usually treated by draining the fluid with a needle.Infection - Infection is unusual after this procedure. Should an infection occur, additional treatment including antibiotics or surgery may be necessary.
Scarring - All invasive procedures leave scars, some more visible than others. Although good wound healing after a procedure is expected, abnormal scars may occur both within the skin and in the deeper tissues. Scars may be unattractive and of different color than the surrounding skin. There is the possibility of visible marks from sutures used to close the wound. Scars may also limit motion and function. Additional treatments including surgery may be needed to treat scarring.
