Fat Transfer in Dallas, TX

When someone loses/gains weight or ages, they lose that smooth and full look in various body features where volume was once plentiful. A way to regain this lost volume is through an aesthetic procedure known as fat grafting (a fat transfer). This treatment takes fat from a section on the body and reinstates it into another area that could use additional volume. A fat transfer can be used in large areas, such as the breasts or buttocks (Brazilian butt lift), or on delicate features, such as the lower eyelid, cheeks, or lips. Fat grafting can also be used to improve scars and skin depressions following surgery, like skin cancer removal or following traumatic injuries. Fat grafting and transfers are generally chosen when a patient desires a natural enhancement versus having fillers or implants. Our Elevate Medical Spa and Cosmetic Surgery team, led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Thornwell Parker, incorporates the most effective methods for performing fat transfers. This body contouring treatment at our Dallas, TX practice creates smooth and beautiful outcomes.

Individuals who want additional fullness on the body or face that appear hollow, thin, or deflated may be great candidates for a fat transfer. This procedure is even more advantageous because it provides a natural approach to create results by using the patient's own fat. Men and women considering this treatment must be at a healthy weight and have fat to remove for the transfer. Furthermore, fat transfer patients must avoid tobacco use around the time of surgery to ensure the best healing and outcome possible.

During this procedure, you will be placed under some type of anesthesia. The method of sedation or numbing medication will be based upon how much fat is being extracted, including the location where it will be reinstated. Liposuction is first used via a thin, special cannula to carefully remove and take the fat where it will then be purified and harvested through a centrifuge (which prepares the viable fat for syringes). After preparing the injection site, the healthy fat tissue will be added to the area that needs volume. The injection process is performed in layers until the desired look has been attained. For certain body parts, more than one injection will be needed.

Following this procedure, patients will enter a healing period. Keep in mind, there will be at least two sites on the body that require healing: the extraction area and injection location. The overall recovery may last longer if a larger section on the body was addressed. A good example: a fat transfer for lip enlargement will generally only require a 1 – 2-day recovery, whereas a transfer to more widespread area, such as the breast or buttock, can take much longer. The sites affected will appear red and slightly swollen, but the visible outcomes can be seen almost immediately. An additional bonus is the area where fat was extracted will appear slimmer. In fact, if you have ever considered liposuction, the addition of more liposuction can be easily performed, does not significantly change your recovery, and may be a cost-effective approach when performed at the same time. A fat transfer yields great results, but there will be some expected resorption back to the body. For this reason, purposeful and careful overcorrection is usually performed, but sometimes a future touch-up may be desired down the road. There is minimal scarring associated with this procedure. 

If you wish to attain fuller lips or fill in lines and wrinkles, this treatment may be a great option. Moreover, a fat transfer works great for the body, such as the breasts. There are many alternatives for enhancement. We invite you to call our team to schedule your consult at Elevate Medical Spa.