Fat grafting, also known as Autologous Fat Transfer or Structural Fat Grafting, is a surgical procedure that involves restoring lost volume in the face with the patient’s own fat, taken typically from the abdomen. 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 temporary fillers consisting of synthetic materials, 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 typically largely survive permanently.
During the fat grafting procedure, fat is harvested from the donor area by inserting a cannula and suctioning out the fat, similar to liposuction. This is done under local anesthesia with IV sedation to minimize any patient discomfort. The harvested fat is then processed in a centrifuge 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 blunt cannula until the desired appearance is achieved.
This procedure is performed as an outpatient basis in your doctor's office or at Northwest Florida Surgery Center. Actual treatment time tends to be brief.
Patients may experience mild swelling and bruising after the fat grafting procedure. Fat grafts tend to be permanent and are considered safe for patients since no foreign material is being injected into the body.
While fat grafting is considered safe for most patients, under-correction or loss of volume with time is possible. Repeat grafting can be readily performed.
These risks can be minimized by choosing an experienced doctor to perform your procedure, and following his instructions after surgery. To learn more about fat grafting procedures, call us today to schedule a consultation and find out whether or not this procedure is right for you.
© 2011 Patrick Kelley, M.D., FACS and MedNet Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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