Fat Grafting (Fat Transfer) FAQ | From Yes They're Fake!

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1. What is Fat Grafting?
2. When can Fat Grafting be performed?
3. What does a typical Fat Grafting consultation entail?
4. How is Fat Grafting performed?
5. What should I expect post-operatively?
6. When will the stitches be removed from my donor site and does this hurt?
7. When will I be able to see the results?
8. What are the risks of Fat Grafting?
9. What is Arnica montana or Bromelain, I have heard that these homeopathics reduce swelling and bruising? Which is the best kind to take?
10. Are the results permanent?

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1. What is Fat Grafting?

Fat grafting is the procedure where your own fat stores are utilized to augment, rejuvenate or correct. Fat grafting can be used to augment the cheeks or lips or anywhere else augmentation is desired, correct tissue deficiencies or simply rejuvenate the mature or thin face for a more "refreshed" look.

Fat Grafting is also referred to as free fat transfer, liposculpture, lipostructure, Space Lift® and others.

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2. When can Fat Grafting be performed?

Fat Grafting usually performed anywhere from 16 and up. Ask your surgeon what he thinks and what ages he usually performs this procedure on s it can be different from surgeon to surgeon. It certainly can correct "deficiencies" or create symmetry in younger persons as well as augmentation and rejuvenation in those who need it, regardless of age.

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3. What does a typical Fat Grafting consultation entail?

The surgeon will go over your desires with you and explain your options. He r she will discuss what can realistically be achieved through this procedure, discuss with you the risks and complications as well as determine the amount of augmentation you will need.

Not everyone is a great candidate for fat grafting so go over all of your habits, including if you smoke, your metabolism and activity levels. Ask to see photos of his or her patients and ask for a referral list sop that you may discuss your concerns or ask questions from the surgeon's own patients.

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4. How is Fat Grafting performed?

excess fat is removed from stubborn, fatty pockets, treated and/or "spun" and gently inspected for viable and whole fat cells. The fat cells are carefully re-implanted using various techniques and you are sent home to care for your treatment areas as discussed at your preoperative appointment.

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5. What should I expect post-operatively?

You can expect to be swollen, possibly bruised and a little sore. This is all normal and should be realized beforehand. Patients who know what to expect are often better informed, and well balanced afterwards and recover more easily s opposed to those who are not told what to expect.

You will be instructed to take all of your medications on time, keep you treatment area immobile and allow proper healing. This includes no high impact exercise or activities for approximately 2-3 weeks, depending upon the extent of the surgery. Please discuss this with your surgeon as the treatment type and/or area changes the pre-operative protocol.

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6. When will the stitches be removed from my donor site and does this hurt?

Depending upon what other procedure were performed and what the preferences unique to your own surgeon, you may or may not have sutures. Some surgeons remove fat with larger cannulas, some with smaller ones and even others with special hypodermic needles. It is necessary to ask your own surgeon as you may not even require sutures for your donor suite.

Incidentally, some lip augmentation with fat grafting may require sutures. Some surgeons use long "threads" of fat implanted in a line within the lips and may need a suture at the injection area.

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7. When will I be able to see the results?

You will see immediate results and it might appear too augmented for your taste, this is often the swelling and possibly "overstuffing" of the fat to increase longevity. However, not all surgeons overstuff so be advised of your own surgeons technique preference. The swelling will subside and you will usually be able to view your true results in 3-4 months although you may lose fat after that as your body either metabolizes it, the fat proved to be damaged or otherwise.

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8. What are the risks of Fat Grafting?

The risks for fat grafting are asymmetry, infection, fatty cysts, hematoma, fat embolism, seroma, permanent discoloration from the bruises and others. Please view the Fat Grafting Section for more risks and complications.

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9. What is Arnica montana or Bromelain, I have heard that these homeopathics reduce swelling and bruising? Which is the best kind to take?

also known as: Mountain Tobacco, Mountain Arnica, Common Arnica, Leopard's Bane and Sneezewort
plant family: Asteraceae
type: Herbaceous perennial
parts used: Roots and flowers
description: Arnica montana or Leopard's Bane is a perennial herb, growing close to the ground. The leaves form a flat rosette, from the center of which rises a flower stalk, 1 to 2 feet high, bearing orange-yellow flowers. The rhizome is dark brown, cylindrical, usually curved, and bears brittle wiry rootlets on the under surface.
habitat: Indigenous to Central Europe, in woods and mountain pastures, although it has been found in England and Southern Scotland.
warning: This herb should NEVER be taken in raw form. This plant, like many medicinal plants if ingested, can cause intestinal bleeding, abdominal cramping and sickness. Homeopathy is the medicinal use of tinctures and suspensions using herbs and other plants and should never be consumed without proper preparation. Only respectable homeopathic remedies and tinctures should be consumed.

from the plant of the: Pineapple
also known as: Ananas, Nanas, Pina
plant family: Bromeliaceae
type: herbaceous perennial
parts used: mostly in the stems of pineapples, but some fruit is used as well.
description: 2 1/2 to 5 ft. high with a spread of 3 to 4 ft. The plant is like a thick stem with a rosette of wide, waxy leaves. These pointed green, red, and white/off white striped leaves are approximately 18 - 70 inches long and graced with a spiny needle-like tip. The plant produces a sweet to tangy and sometimes sour fruit that is yellow to white in color. The unpeeled fruit is brownish with a hard, spiky covering and a large green sprout from it crown. The fruit is shaped like a coffee can with rounded ends and is about 10-12 inches long usually when considered prime and may even weigh up to 10 lbs.

habitat: Indigenous to southern Brazil and Paraguay, The fruit is now grown all over in green houses and in the fields of Spain, Guatemala, Hawaii and more. The pineapple is a tropical plant and thrives in hot, humid places. Although it can survive cold snaps, it is not recommended for the more northern areas if intended to be grown outdoors.

Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory formula containing the proteolytic enzyme from the stems of pineapples. Proteolytic enzymes are capable of dissolving proteins. It is most often used after sports injuries, to relive edema and after surgical procedures to help with swelling.

ALWAYS ASK YOUR SURGEON FIRST BEFORE TAKING ANY MEDICATION.

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10. Are the results permanent?

It depends. There are unfortunately many factors involved and it is most certainly surgeon-dependent. Some surgeons are able to get 10% longevity and even other up to 90%! So research your surgeon carefully, determine the differences in technique and discuss with their own patients, the amount of augmentation or enhancement left after several months or even years. It really depends but yes it is very possible to receive permanent results. Just know that fat naturally is lost as we age - so permanency may depend on your definition of it. It may last you many, many years but will more than likely not last you the rest of your life as you age.

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