Fat injection reduces wrinkles and creases and plumps up areas that have lost volume as a result of surgery, injury, aging or another cause. Transplanted fat that comes from the patient him- or herself does not carry a risk of allergic reaction or rejection. Other advantages include a short recovery time, long-lasting results and effectiveness on any skin type.
New York City board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark H. Schwartz performs fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer or liposculpture, a procedure that involves restoring lost volume with the patient’s own fat, taken from the abdomen, thighs or other areas. This procedure is effective in treating sunken cheeks, facial lines, acne scars and other areas of lost volume that have developed as a result of aging, sun damage and other conditions.
Unlike fillers and other volume-enhancing treatments, fat grafts are taken from the patient’s own body, and as a result cannot cause an allergic reaction. The fat is naturally accepted by the body. Autologous fat grafts also last longer than synthetic materials, resulting in fewer repeat treatments.
Fat Grafting Procedure
During the procedure, fat is taken from the donor area by inserting a small cannula and suctioning out the fat, similar to liposuction. This is done under local anesthesia to minimize any potential discomfort. The harvested fat is then purified so that only the fat cells are grafted. Once the fat is ready to be placed, it is injected into the targeted area through a small instrument until the desired appearance is achieved.
This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in Dr. Schwartz’s office in New York City. Because of the different aspects involved, treatment time can vary significantly depending on the number of areas being treated.
Results and Recovery
Patients may experience mild swelling and bruising after the fat grafting procedure, which can be minimized with oral pain medications. Fat grafts usually last longer than fillers, and are considered safe for most patients since no foreign material is being injected into the body. Similar to any procedure, there are several uncommon risks which may occur with fat injections. These may include infection, bleeding, and under or overcorrection. These risks can be minimized by choosing an experienced doctor to perform your procedure, and following the instructions after surgery at Dr. Schwartz practice in New York City. Dr. Schwartz has performed scores of fat transplants over the years and has refined the skills needed to produce superb results.
Learn More about Fat Grafting Treatment Options
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark H. Schwartz or to find out more about fat grafting treatments.
