Fat Transfer in Newport Beach, CA

Fat transfer, or fat grafting, can be used for many areas of the body that lack volume, including the face. It is also a great natural alternative to enhance the breasts, as opposed to using silicone or saline implants. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi will work with you to understand your cosmetic goals and create a plan that is ideal for you. At SSK Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, Dr. Kelishadi works diligently to provide you with the most modern and least invasive surgical techniques to reduce your recovery time. Fat transfer procedures utilize liposuction to extract excess fat from one area of the body, then re-inject the fat to another area that is lacking in volume. This process is also commonly performed on the buttocks, cheeks, lips, breasts, and hands. The results will leave you with a natural, fuller shape that compliments your unique profile. 

A fat transfer procedure designed by Dr. Kelishadi can re-envision and remake your look with several excellent benefits, including:

• Reducing stubborn unwanted fat in problem areas
• Using your own fat instead of synthetic implants
• Enhancing multiple body areas (lips, face, breasts, buttocks)
• Reshaping and contouring the body
• Replenishing areas with volume loss
• Creating results that look and feel natural
• Offering a less invasive option than surgery

Anyone who desires fullness and volume in areas of the body that are flat, deflated, hollow, or too thin may be a great candidate for a fat transfer procedure. This procedure is even more advantageous for those who prefer a natural approach, desiring to use tissue and fat from their own body instead of implants or filler products. The use of one's own fat also decreases the concern for rejection, which is an additional benefit. If you are considering this procedure, you must be at a certain weight and have enough fat to extract for the transfer. In addition, you must be physically healthy and a nonsmoker. The grafting process uses only healthy tissue for a long-term, lasting outcome.

During this procedure, you will be put under anesthesia. The exact type of sedation or numbing medication will depend on how much fat is being extracted and where it is being placed. Liposuction is first used to remove the fat using a special cannula to delicately harvest the fat and then purify it through a centrifuge. This prepares the fat, saving only the healthy tissue, which will then be prepared to go into syringes. The fat will then be reinstated into the area of concern. During the injection phase, the fat tissue will be injected in layers and gently massaged for a smooth, even outcome. Multiple injections are almost always needed, especially for larger areas, such as the buttocks or breasts.

After a fat transfer procedure, there are two sites on the body that require healing — the extraction site and the injection site. The extraction area may require more recovery, especially if a larger amount of fat was removed using liposuction. The areas of injection will appear red and swollen, but the visible results can be seen almost immediately. An added bonus with this procedure is that the areas where the fat was extracted will appear slimmer. It is important to understand that a fat transfer is not a permanent fix. While there will be some fat resorption, the results can still last many years. Patients may return for additional transfers as needed, but this is not always necessary. There is minimal scarring associated with a fat transfer. The incisions made from liposuction are very small, and the injections are generally made with a syringe.

How long will the results of a fat transfer last?
A fat transfer offers beautiful, effective results that can last for a long time with proper care. Dr. Kelishadi employs advanced methods to graft fat that limit reabsorption. However, there is generally a small amount of the transferred fat that doesn't graft to its new location, so Dr. Kelishadi often adds a little more fat. If you would like to touch up or enhance your appearance after a few years, another fat transfer can be performed.

Are there any alternative treatments to a fat transfer?
Depending on where you want to add fat, there may be an alternative to a fat transfer. In your breasts and buttocks, augmentation surgery with an implant may be performed rather than a fat transfer. In your hand and face, SSK Plastic Surgery offers multiple dermal fillers for long-lasting volume and rejuvenation. Dr. Kelishadi will explain all of your options in your first appointment so you can see the results that will match your needs and goals.

What if I don't have enough fat for a transfer?
During your initial consultation with Dr. Kelishadi, he will explain how much fat is required to achieve your goals. In some cases, you may not have enough fat for the transfer, but this is typically only an issue if you want a large volume of fat transferred or you have a very low body fat percentage. Fat may be removed from several areas or combined with donor fat. Dr. Kelishadi will explain all of your choices in your consultation.

Should I get a dermal filler or a facial fat transfer?
Either a facial fat transfer or an injectable wrinkle filler (for example, Restylane® and JUVÉDERM®) may correct the appearance of lines and wrinkles while also restoring volume. While dermal fillers may create great results, a facial fat transfer often lasts longer and looks more natural. To help you decide how much fat you want to be added and in which areas, Dr. Kelishadi might suggest starting with dermal fillers. Once you have figured out what you want, Dr. Kelishadi can schedule a fat graft to your face for results that last years instead of months.

Can a facial fat transfer be combined with another procedure?
A fat transfer to the face may be performed with a nonsurgical treatment such as BOTOX® (a wrinkle relaxer) or a facial treatment. Facial fat transfer is also a good way to complement other cosmetic surgery. A fat transfer will increase volume to improve the balance of your face during a facelift, chin implant, or cheek implants. Talk to Dr. Kelishadi during your consultation about your wants so he can create a plan with surgical and nonsurgical treatments that help to reach all your goals.

Which areas of the face can be improved with a facial fat transfer?
Facial fat transfer may be used in a number of locations to add volume or fill in wrinkles. Fat transfer is ideally designed to augment or enhance the cheeks so that the area appears lifted and fuller without surgery. In addition, fat may also be used to add volume to your lips. You can also use a fat graft to improve the hollow or sunken areas under your eyes. A fat transfer to your face can also improve the appearance of scars and static wrinkles (marionette lines or brow furrows). Dr. Kelishadi will develop your custom treatment plan to focus on one or more areas of your face based on your needs and aesthetic goals.

If you desire fuller cheeks or wish to fill in fine lines and wrinkles on your face, lips, and mouth, we invite you to learn more about the fat transfer process. Because of modern advances in fat grafting technology, this procedure is popular among both men and women seeking a natural enhancement. Call our office today to schedule your consultation.