Fat transfer procedures are quickly growing in popularity, and understandably so. These procedures give patients the ability to “recycle” their own fat by harvesting it from areas of the body that have a sufficient amount of excess fat (e.g., the abdomen, hips, thighs) and transferring it to areas of the body that lack volume (often, the breasts, buttocks or the back of the hands). The advantages of fat grafting are twofold: one area can be enhanced while another (the donor area) can be enhanced.
Nonetheless, these procedures are not for everyone, and fat transfer candidates need to fulfill the following requirements:
- They wish to enhance a specific area of the body, such as the breasts, buttocks or the back of the hands
- They have an adequate amount of fat to harvest from another area of the body
- They are in good general health, both physically and mentally speaking
- They do not suffer from any medical conditions that could inhibit the body’s healing mechanisms (e.g., autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular conditions)
- They have realistic expectations for the outcome of fat transfer surgery (i.e., they seek cosmetic improvement, not perfection)
- They do not smoke, or are prepared to quit smoking for several weeks prior to and after the procedure
- They are not currently pregnant or nursing
- They recognize both the rewards and possible risks of the procedure
When you come in for a fat transfer consultation, your doctor will review your medical history and talk with you to establish whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. Then, he or she will identify your desired outcome for the procedure and discuss the ability to meet these expectations. Finally, your doctor will discuss the specifics of the fat transfer procedure and what you can expect in greater detail, including preparation, the day of the procedure, and recovery, along with answering any remaining questions you may have.
Then, to establish if you are a suitable candidate for fat transfer, your doctor will conduct a physical examination to determine if you have a suitable amount of donor fat. If you do not have enough excess fat to harvest, he or she may ask you to gain weight before your procedure.
To see of this popular procedure is right for you, schedule a consultation by contacting St. Charles Plastic Surgery today.
