Fat Injections

What are Fat Injections?
Fat grafting is a technique where a patient’s own fat is harvested and processed then injected into the areas where additional volume is desired. This technique results in a more dramatic tissue contouring than synthetic fillers can provide; some fat may remain in place for several years. The areas most commonly addressed with this technique are the face-midface, lips-and the buttocks.

How long will surgery be?

Fat grafting is generally performed in the operating room in combination with other procedures and the time therefore varies based on procedures performed.

What kind of anesthesia will I have?

General anesthesia is used for fat grafting because it is safe and very well controlled. West Magnolia Surgery Center, on site at West Magnolia Plastic Surgery, is fully accredited by the AAAHC. Local anesthesia in injected into the incision once the patient is under anesthesia for enhanced postoperative comfort.

What is recovery like?

Swelling after fat grafting can take longer to resolve because there is more volume injected into the tissues; most patients have returned to their normal, albeit enhanced, appearance in about 2 weeks. A compression garment like SPANX is worn to cover the area from which the fat was harvested until no visible bruising or swelling is noted, usually about 2 weeks.

What are the risks of a Procedure?

Asymmetry of the tissues, inadequate correction resulting in need for additional injections, failure of fat take and loss of results, contour deformity from the area that fat is removed from.

How do I prepare for surgery?

A preoperative appointment is scheduled approximately 2 weeks prior to surgery. At this time, all consents and recommendations, instructions for before and after surgery are reviewed. A long list of medications to avoid is reviewed and prescriptions are given for postoperative management.  The day before surgery, all patients are called to review final questions, confirm nothing has occurred since the patient was seen at preop that might require rescheduling of the procedure and to finalize arrival time at the facility. All patients are given ample information at the preoperative appointment regarding a time line of what to expect in the recovery process and when.