Fat Transfer FAQ

Fat transfer FAQ

There are so many questions on Fat transfer that we decided to provide a separate Fat transfer FAQ just for this procedure. Please also review the Fat Transfer FAQ on RealSelf.com for more information, or call us to review any or your questions on Fat Transfer.

What is Fat Transfer - LipoTransfer?

Lipo transfer is a  innovative procedure with which fat is removed from an area of the body where it is not wanted, processed and then placed in areas where an increase in volume or improved shape is desired.    In our Center, we prefer to use  the most advanced technology available for fat harvesting  (the "BodyJet" platform, by HumanMed).  The advantage of using the BodyJet device in terms of fat survival  has been indicated in the literature, and we have been using this technique since 2010.  
Once the fat tissue has been obtained and processed,  a precise fat microtransfer technique of multi-layered micrograft is used.  Technique is extremely important for the achievement of a great outcome with fat transfer.  In fact, if a precise, multi-layer technique is not used, the outcome of the procedure may not be as positive.  Fat transfer is currently used   to increase breast and buttocks size and as well as to correct shape of breast, buttocks, face, hands after surgery or to repair age induced damage.

How long does it last?

The effects of Lipotransfer are permanent after initial volume loss.  Initially there will be a moderate loss of volume due to the body reabsorbing the initial swelling and some of the transferred fat that has not "taken residence" in the new site.  In some cases there can be a more significant reduction of volume.  We rarely have needed to perform a secondary procedure to restore volume after the initial loss.

What if I want more volume after the first procedure?

Multiple Fat Transfers can be performed, as long as the previous procedure has had time to "take residence", usually about 3 months.

What areas can be increased in size?

Any area of the body can be treated with LipoTransfer.  The most common areas are the breast, buttocks (also called "Brazilian Butt Lift") and face (to plump up cheeks, improve the hollow under eyes, correct folds around the mouth) but also areas of previous liposuction that have indentation or irregular shape.  Fat transfer to the breast has been debated for years, but since 2009 the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has indicated that:  "Fat grafting can be considered as safe method for augmentation and correction of defects associated with various medical conditions."

Do I need to be asleep for this procedure?

General anesthesia is not required for LipoTransfer.  Most patients who prefer to be awake for this treatment do very well and feel some tugging and pinching during the numbing phase of the procedure.  However, if you do not want to feel anything, we recommend a light anesthesia provided by our Board Certified Anesthesiologists.

How much does it cost?

The most current Fat transfer prices IN YOUR PARTICULAR CASE can be obtained with a complimentary consultation at our Office.  Please see also any current Special Offers.

In general, the cost of the fat transfer procedure for breast augmentation is approximately in the range of breast augmentation with implants.

Pricing includes Doctor's, Anesthesia and Operating Room fees.  Additional charges may apply in your particular case.  Additional Lipo can be performed with BodyJet at the same time for body contouring at a package price.

This is a new procedure.  How do I know that it is safe?

LipoTransfer is also known as LipoModeling, fat grafts, fat transfer, and many other names.  Fat grafts have been performed since the last century, but with variable results.  We have performed facial fat transfer and buttocks fat transfer for more than 12 years with very good outcomes.  Breast fat transfer has been performed in small amounts for reconstruction and correction of small areas of defect, and was not recommended for cosmetic breast augmentation because of the concerns of interference with mammograms results.

Since 2009, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has lifted the recommendation against breast enlargement with fat transfer and recommended the use of fat grafts for breast reconstruction and augmentation with appropriate training and technique.  Since then, natural breast augmentation has seen an explosive increase in interest because of the limited risk and natural outcomes.

We have pioneered the use of Fat transfers for cosmetic breast augmentation and our record so far does not support the appearance of fat necrosis, lumpiness or other local complications with exception of fat loss, which can lead to a decrease in breast size. 

Radiologist Eva Rubin, MD, says fat injections, like any other breast augmentation procedure, can result in fat necrosis and calcifications within the breast, but most of the time these are easily distinguishable from breast cancer. 

Rubin is clinical director of the breast imaging center for Montgomery Radiology Associates in Montgomery, Ala.  (See article on WebMD below)

The current Radiology literature indicates that the fat grafts are distinguishable from breast tissue and that the fat reabsorption do not represent a confusion with other breast tissue findings on mammogram.

More Fat Transfer FAQ

Where can I read more about Fat Transfer?

We have some articles available for your review.  These are "technical" articles from professional publications so the language may be a bit hard to comprehend to the lay person. 

ASPS Article
ASPS Task Force Review
ASPS contrasting review page 1 and page 2
WebMD review (this link takes you to WebMD)

You can also read more on our Blog and by contacting us directly at 210-263 1444 , our Patient Care Coordinators will be happy to discuss and clarify any point with you via phone!

Cosmetic Surgeon San Antonio Fat Transfer Texas
Plastic Surgery San Antonio

If you are interested in finding a Cosmetic Surgeon in San Antonio,
or Fat Transfer in San Antonio, Texas, or Smart Lipo in Texas,  San Antonio or Austin, Dr Mario Diana has years of experience in Plastic Surgery in San Antonio.

 

 

Tummy Tuck | Breast Lift | Breast Implants | Rhinoplasty | Breast Revision | SmartLipo

Dr. Mario Diana is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with a profile located on RealSelf, a  Fat Transfer, Breast Augmentation,  Liposuction and general Plastic Surgery resource.

Dr. Mario Diana is a San Antonio breast augmentation and Texas Fat Transfer expert.