Fat grafting in Worcester

Have you ever wondered if you could take a little excess fat from one part of your body and put it somewhere else where you’d like an enhancement? Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Deborah Ekstrom can remove unwanted fat from one area and use it to enhance your cheeks, lips, chin, hands, skin depressions and scars, breasts, and even the buttocks (Brazilian buttocks lift).

Microfat grafting, or a fat transfer, is a safe, natural, non-allergenic procedure to add fullness wherever it is desired. These fat grafts last longer in larger areas of non-movement like the cheeks than they do in dynamic areas like the lips. It is most frequently used as an adjuct to facial surgery to help rejuvenate the cheeks, mid-face, and areas around the eyes. A great experience is to combine fat grafting with procedures such as liposuction, a brow lift, or a facelift. Remove fat where it is superfluous and add volume where it is needed in one treatment If you think a fat transfer might be right for you, call Salisbury Plastic Surgery in Worcester, MA to schedule a consult. We will be happy to discuss all the benefits of a fat transfer and what it can do for you.

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Fat grafting candidates

Men and women are turning to plastic surgeons to perform fat transfers to plump cheeks, fill lips, and make buttocks and breasts fuller and shapelier. Great candidates for a fat transfer:

  • Have areas of the body with enough excess fat for liposuction
  • Have areas of the body that are flat or thin and need volume
  • Are allergic to injectable fillers, such as Radiesse or Voluma
  • Need tissue replenished following a cancer removal surgery
  • Have overall good health but are not excessively thin (patients who diet and exercise a lot burn their fat, including any grafted fat)
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Fat grafting procedure: what to expect?

Once the patient is under general anesthesia or local sedation, an instrument called a cannula is inserted into the skin to suction out the fat. Incisions for this procedure are routinely very small and will be easily hidden under clothing. The removed fat is then sorted and purified before being put into a syringe for the transfer.

The plastic surgeon will inject the fat into the skin and massage the area so that the fat settles smoothly into the needed area. This process may have to be performed several times, which is also known as a layered fat grafting, for the best results. The patient will see redness and swelling initially, but fat transfers usually have a downtime of 7 – 10 days and total recovery period of 1 – 2 weeks.

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Fat grafting results

Patients receiving a fat transfer may need additional grafting surgeries in the future. As the fat settles into the new area of the body, it may become reabsorbed by the body. Fat transfer is generally an easier and more natural way to enhance and add volume to areas of the body than dermal injectables or artificial implants. Some patients may consider having dermal injections in the area(s) that need volume as a test to see what they do or do not like about the size the surgeon makes their backside.

Fill in with fat grafting

Weight loss, aging, and genetics are all reasons why an area of the body needs replenished volume. A fat transfer creates fuller, healthier looking areas of the body without allergic reactions, since it is the patient’s own fat. We invite you to schedule a consultation to learn more about fat transfer surgery and your options.

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The Pros and Cons of Fat Transfer

Fat grafting can be used to enlarge or improve the appearance of any part of the body. But like all plastic surgery procedures, fat grafting has its pros and cons

Pros: 

– It is a safe, minimally invasive procedure with minimal side effects.

– It is an effective way to contour areas such as the thighs, knees, abdomen, and buttocks.

– Scarring is minimal and can be hidden within or beneath the transplanted tissue.

– You may improve disappearing scars, wrinkles or skin laxity.

– Results can last up to 10 years provided you stay healthy.

Cons: 

– The procedure takes several sessions to reach desired results.

– Side effects include pain, swelling and numbness at the injection site as well as redness.

– There is a risk of infecting fatty tissue and death of fat cells

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Fat Transfer FAQs

How long does fat transfer last?

It is important to remember that results from fat transfer will vary from patient to patient. Some patients may see results that last a lifetime, while others may need additional procedures to maintain the results. It is important to work with a qualified plastic surgeon who can help you understand your options and help you make the best decision for your unique situation.

What is facial fat grafting?

Facial fat grafting is a procedure that adds volume to the face by transplanting fat from one part of the body to another. Fat grafting can give you fuller cheeks, a plumper lip, or a youthful jawline. Facial fat grafting restores volume to areas of your face that have lost volume with age or weight loss. It also helps balance out your face shape and revitalizes facial contours for a healthy and youthful appearance. A typical result of facial fat grafting is an overall plumping and filling out of the face with an even, balanced appearance that gives the face lift-like effects.

Is it better to get implants or fat transfer?

It depends on a number of factors, but generally speaking, fat transfer is more versatile and can be used to correct a wider range of issues. However, implants tend to result in a more natural looking result with fewer complications. Your best choice will depend on what you’re hoping to achieve and your body type. If you’re looking for more volume in your breasts, fat transfer may be recommended, and if you’re looking for permanent results that look and feel more natural, implants are recommended.

How much fat do you need for transfer?

There is no specific answer to this question – it depends on many factors. However, generally speaking, the amount of fat required varies between 500g and 1kg (1lb 8oz – 2lb 2oz). The specific amount will depend on the type of treatment you are having and your body type.

Client Reviews

Salisbury Plastic Surgery

Dr. Ekstrom is a phenomenal doctor! She is warm, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. She took all the time I needed during all my appointments and made me feel very comfortable. During the day of surgery she was full of energy and made me feel at ease with her warm bedside manner. I would recommend Dr. Ekstrom and Salisbury Plastic Surgery above anyone.

J. C.

My experience with Dr. Ekstrom and her staff has been nothing but exceptional. After my initial visit with Dr. Ekstrom I knew I wanted her to do my procedure because she was very informative, gave me detailed explanation of what to expect and made me feel very comfortable. I love the look of my breasts and could not be any happier! Thank you Dr. Ekstrom, Kristen, and the whole team!

L. W.

Dr. Ekstrom and her staff are fabulous. I am 2 days post op BA Mentor Moderate Plus silicone 375/350 sub glandular placement. I am absolutely thrilled with my results. I presented with asymmetric mildly tuberous breasts. Dr. Ekstrom answered my hundreds of questions, gave me realistic surgical expectations. My result…..fabulous! Beyond thrilled!

M. G.
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