Fat Transfer in New Orleans, LA

When an individual loses weight or ages, they lose overall shape in various body areas where volume once resided. One way to regain the volume that has been lost is through a cosmetic treatment known as fat grafting (a fat transfer). A fat transfer extracts fat from one or more areas of the body and injects it into a specific place that could use additional volume. Fat transfer procedures can be performed on widespread areas, such as the buttocks, or on small features, such as the lower eyelid, cheeks, or lips. Fat transfers are often chosen when an individual hopes to have a natural enhancement rather than using implants or fillers. New Orleans, LA plastic surgeon Dr. Mark W. Stalder uses the most advanced grafting techniques for performing fat transfers. This body contouring treatment at Stalder Plastic Surgery creates natural-looking, appealing outcomes.

You will be placed under some form of anesthesia when undergoing a fat transfer. The exact type of sedation or numbing medication will be based on how much fat is being removed, including the area where it will be placed. Liposuction is performed first via a small, specialized cannula to precisely extract the fat, which will then be harvested and separated inside a centrifuge (which prepares the healthy fat for syringes). After prepping the injection site, the healthy fat tissue will be transferred into the area chosen for the transfer. This injection is completed in layers until the desired outcome has been attained. For larger areas, multiple injections will be needed.

After a fat transfer, you will enter a healing period. Remember, at least two sites on the body are affected by this treatment: the area involving liposuction and the injection sites. The recovery process may last longer if a larger section of the body is addressed. For example, a fat transfer for lip enhancement will generally only need a 1 – 2-day healing period whereas a transfer to a larger section, such as the breasts or buttocks, can take many more days. The sites will appear swollen with some possible bruising, but the outcomes can be seen almost immediately. The added bonus is the area where fat was extracted will appear slimmer. Fat grafting yields great outcomes, but there will be some resorption back to the body. In some patients, an additional transfer may be necessary later on. There is minimal scarring associated with this treatment.