Fat Transfer in Chicago, IL

As a man or woman has weight fluctuations and moves through the natural aging process, they often lose that smooth and plump look in specific body areas where volume once resided. A terrific way to restore volume that has been lost is through an advanced cosmetic technique known as a fat transfer. Fat transfer extracts fat from one place on the body and injects it into another area that could benefit from additional volume. Fat transfer procedures can be performed on widespread areas such as the breasts or buttocks or on delicate and smaller areas such as the laugh lines, lips, cheeks, or under the eyelid. Fat transfers are often chosen when an individual wishes to obtain a natural enhancement rather than using a device like an implant or a substance such as a filler. Chicago, IL native and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Saeed Chowdhry is skilled in the most advanced liposuction and grafting techniques to provide beautiful results with fat transfer. This cosmetic enhancement at SAC Plastic Surgery creates natural-looking, appealing outcomes.

Men and women who wish to have more smoothness and volume in specific places on the face or body that appear hollow, thin, or deflated may be appropriate candidates for the fat grafting (transfer) procedure. This specialized enhancement is even more desired because it provides an autologous way to produce results by incorporating the patient's fat tissue. By doing this, there is less risk or concern for rejection. Chicago women and men considering this procedure from SAC Plastic Surgery need to be at a certain weight and have sufficient fat to extract for the transfer.

When undergoing a fat transfer, you will be put under the appropriate type of anesthesia. The type of anesthesia used will depend on how much fat tissue is being taken out, including the area where it will be placed. A form of liposuction is completed using a special cannula to precisely extract the fat so it can be harvested and separated inside a centrifuge (which preps the highest quality fat for syringes). After prepping the injection site, the extracted fat will be transferred into the area chosen for the transfer. The process of injecting is completed in layers until the desired outcome has been attained. For some areas, numerous injections will be necessary.

After the transfer process has been completed, you will begin a healing phase. Remember, there are two different areas of the body that need to be carefully treated: the area that underwent liposuction and the injection sites. The recovery process may be longer if a larger place on the body was addressed. As an example, a fat transfer for lip enlargement will typically only warrant a 1 – 2-day healing period whereas a transfer to a more vast body part, such as the buttocks or breasts, can take many more days. Each area will appear swollen with some possible bruising, but the outcomes can be noticed almost immediately. Another perk is the area where liposuction was used will look slimmer. Fat grafting yields beautiful and lasting outcomes, but there will be some fat that reabsorbs back to the body. In some patients, another transfer may be necessary later on. There is almost no scarring that is noticeable with this treatment.

How much does a fat transfer cost?
Fat transfer prices will vary based on many factors. In fat transfers to the breasts or butt, a larger amount of fat is required so surgical liposuction is used, which means a lengthier process is employed for fat purification and then grafting. Smaller fat transfers, like those to the face and hands, require less time and fat. The amount of volume required to achieve your needs and goals will be reviewed in your initial consultation with Dr. Chowdhry, along with estimates of cost and payment methods we accept.

Where can I have fat transferred?
A fat transfer can be performed on most areas of your body or face where you want to add shape or rejuvenate your skin. A few of the most popular areas are the butt (typically called the Brazilian butt lift), face, hands, and breasts. Fat grafting might be performed with breast reconstruction or augmentation with implants to minimize imperfections. Volume loss caused by aging in the hands and face may also be improved with fat grafting, especially to add shape to your lips or in the hollow under your eyes. Tell Dr. Chowdhry during your initial consultation where you want to make improvements so he can develop your personal fat transfer plan.

How long will the results of a fat transfer last?
The results of a fat transfer look natural and can be long-lasting with proper care. Dr. Chowdhry employs advanced fat grafting methods, which limit reabsorption. Because there is generally a certain amount of fat that doesn't graft to the new area, Dr. Chowdhry often transfers excess in preparation. If later down the road you would like to touch-up or enhance your appearance, another fat transfer can be discussed.

Are there any alternative treatments to a fat transfer?
Based on the area where you want to increase fat, you may have other options. In your breasts or butt, implants may be surgically placed as opposed to the fat transfer. For your hands and face, Dr. Chowdhry offers multiple injectable dermal fillers for long-term volume and rejuvenation. Dr. Chowdhry will explain your options during your consultation to help you obtain results that meet your goals.

What if I don't have enough fat for a transfer?
At your first appointment with Dr. Chowdhry, he will explain the amount of fat that is required to meet your goals. Not all patients have enough fat to transfer; however, this is usually only a concern for those with very low body fat percentage and those who wish to have a large volume of fat transferred. Fat may be taken from several areas or combined with donor fat. Dr. Chowdhry will explain your choices at your consultation.

If you are looking to get more voluptuous lips or want to soften hollow areas or lines, this procedure may be a great option. Furthermore, a fat transfer is an outstanding option for the buttocks or breasts. This treatment offers many choices for adding volume and fullness. This treatment can help you to achieve the look you wish for without having to opt for a major surgery that might require a long recovery. We welcome you to get in touch with our staff to schedule your consultation at SAC Plastic Surgery.