Refine Body Contours through Fat Grafting
Fat transfer is a method of refining body contours and smoothing out the surface of the skin using your own fat tissue. During this body contouring treatment, board certified surgeon Dr. Oren Lerman harvests fat from one part of the body and injects it into the treatment area that needs added volume. Fat grafting can be doubly beneficial, reducing excessive fat from one area of the body, and enhancing the skin or curves on another part. Patients considering fat grafting can schedule a consultation with Dr. Lerman at his cosmetic surgery practice in Manhattan, NY.
Fat Extraction
Fat cells are typically collected from parts of the body prone to accumulating fat deposits, such as the hips, thighs, or abdomen. During extraction, the treatment area is first numbed, and Dr. Lerman then makes an incision, gently suctioning out fat cells with a cannula. Patients may have just enough fat cells collected for transfer, or they may undergo liposuction, which removes a large quantity of fat that noticeably reduces fat at the harvest site. The collected tissue is then purified in a centrifuge machine that separates the fat cells. This takes a relatively short time to perform, allowing patients to briefly wait in the operative suite between the fat collection and injection phases.
Fat Injection
Once healthy fat cells have been prepared, they are injected into the tissue layers of the recipient site. With a meticulous approach, Dr. Lerman can add natural-looking volume to various areas of the body, such as:
- to the posterior as part of a Brazilian butt lift
- to the breasts as a refinement to a breast reconstruction
- to scarred or dimpled tissue to create smoother skin texture
Fat transfer has multiple applications, commonly used as part of a Brazilian butt lift, breast reconstruction procedure, or to enhance the texture of blemished or scarred skin.
Your Fat Transfer Recovery
Patients should expect some swelling where the fat was both harvested and injected. Mild discomfort can be controlled by applying ice to the treatment sites and taking over-the-counter pain medications. Since some fat will be absorbed by the body, a higher amount of fat cells will be injected into the treatment area to compensate for the subsequent loss of volume during recovery. The full results of the treatment, including ascertaining how much fat has remained grafted in the treatment area, will be apparent within six months of treatment.
Fat Grafting Treatment Costs
Given the wide range of fat harvesting and transfer approaches and applications, the costs of fat grafting procedures can vary considerably. Major cost factors include the extent of the areas being treated and the number of injections necessary to retain a sufficient amount of fat.
In certain instances, insurance may cover a medically-mandated fat transfer. This may involve repairing scars or treating the localized loss of fat tissue (lipoatrophy) following injectable treatments or injury.
Fat transfer purely for cosmetic purposes will not be covered by insurance plans. Dr. Lerman and his team strive to make treatments possible for patients, and will talk to you about costs during your initial consultation.
Is Fat Transfer Right for You?
Fat grafting can redistribute fat cells for a safe and supremely attractive result. Learn more about fat transfer and how it can help you achieve your cosmetic goals. Call Dr. Lerman’s office at (212) 434-6980 or send us a message using our online form.
