Autologous Fat Transfer

What is Autologous Fat Transfer?

Autologous fat transfer is a procedure where excess fat is removed from one spot in the body and then re-injected to replace lost volume, rejuvenate, or correct another body area. Areas normally treated with fat transfer include facial, hand and gluteal areas. The result is a long-lasting, more youthful appearance.

How is Fat Transfer Performed?

Excess fat is removed from areas of the body where it is hard to lose weight using conventional methods. Fat is removed under local tumescent anesthesia. The fat is then treated to remove excess fluid and damaged fat cells and re-implanted under local anesthesia at the treatment site using various injection techniques by Dr. Jao.

Why Would I Choose Fat Transfer Instead of other Facial Fillers?

Autologous fat transfer has one major benefit over dermal fillers. There is no chance of allergic reaction. The body recognizes the tissue as its own, even in its new location

What is Local Tumescent Anesthesia?

The tumescent technique for local involves the injection of the large volumes of diluted local anesthetic fluid into the fat beneath the skin, causing the area to become swollen and firm. This technique eliminates the need for general anesthesia and also eliminated the bleeding associated with traditional surgery. The tumescent technique results in a procedure that is less painful, safe, with minimal post-procedural recovery time and superior cosmetic results.

Where Can Fat be Injected?

Most common areas include facial, hands, and gluteal areas. Fat transfer is designed to fill in facial creases and hollows caused by the aging process.

What Area of the Body is Fat Typically Harvested From?

One of the benefits of fat transfer is that we are able to address two problems at once. The fat used for injections may be taken from any spot of the body that contains a concentration of excess fatty tissue. Dr. Jao will work with you to determine which areas of the body are eligible and which ares you would like to see reduced.

Is Fat Transfer Painful?

The pain from fat transfer is minimal. Fat transfer injections are administered using a variety of techniques. Patient reactions vary; to optimize your comfort during the procedure, Dr. Jao will anesthetize the treatment area using local anesthesia.

What is Recovery Like after Fat Transfer?

Recover after fat transfer is relatively fast and easy compared to other cosmetic surgery procedures and depends on the location of treatment, for example there is no down time for hand rejuvenation. Discomfort is minimal and most patients can move about and resume most normal activities within 48 hours post treatment.

How Quickly Can I See Results?

You will see immediate results; however, most patients will see most of their results within one month post procedure; it may take up to four months to appreciate the final result. For the first few weeks after the procedure, patients experience swelling.

How Long does Fat Transfer Treatment Typically Last?

There is no definite length of time that fat transfer lasts. Over the course of time, a portion of the injected fat will be reabsorbed by the body. About one third of the original volume injected will remain in place. On average, autologous fat transfer lasts from one to three years.

Will I Require More Than One Treatment?

Depending on the aesthetic treatment goal, multiple fat transfer injections may be necessary. Multiple treatment sessions allows more fat to be transferred with less damage to the donor as well as the injection sites.

What are the Risks Associated with Autologous Fat Transfer?

Autologous Fat Transfer carries relatively little risk. Some of the common adverse events associated with fat transfer are overcorrection and/or undercorrection of the treatment site, tissue lumps, bleeding, scarring and damage to surrounding tissue structures.

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?

The procedure lasts about two hours. In addition to the tumescent anesthesia, you will be given oral medication. You will be awake, but relaxed during the procedure. Most patients feel slight pressure during the procedure. After the procedures, you will be swollen and will experience drainage of the tumescent fluid. Most patients return to regular activities within three days of treatment.

Autologous Fat Transfer is performed by Dr. Jao in our Brea office under local anesthesia with minimal swelling, no downtime for the patient and the results are immediate!