Fat grafting, also referred to as fat transfer or fat injections, is a surgical process by which fat is transferred from one area of the body to another area. Baltimore cosmetic surgery expert, Dr. Jeffrey Schreiber, uses fat grafting for the breasts, buttocks, and face. The goal is to improve or augment the area where the fat is injected. The technique involves extracting fat by liposuction, processing the fat, and then injecting purified fat into the area needing improvement. The process of fat grafting involves three steps:
- Extraction of the fat from one area (donor area) via liposuction
- Purifying the fat by processing it in a fat harvesting system
- Reinjection of the purified fat into the area needing improvement, like the breasts, face, or buttocks
In the first step, fat is extracted from a donor area using liposuction techniques. This is best accomplished by manual methods using thin liposuction cannulas with small holes. Vaser or ultrasonic liposuction should not be used for the extraction as it may destroy the fat cells. Typical areas that Dr. Schreiber uses for the liposuction include the following:
Abdomen
Arms
Flanks
Thighs (inner and outer)
Back (upper and lower)
Knees
As a Baltimore breast augmentation specialist, Dr. Schreiber realizes that women who desire a modest increase in breast size or correction of minor size disparity between the breasts may be able to achieve their goals with fat transfer rather than implants. Although there are limits to the degree of augmentation that can be achieved with fat alone, in some cases fat transfer can provide the subtle boost a patient desires or enhance symmetry between the breasts. The ideal patient for fat transfer to the breasts is generally happy with her starting breast shape and has good skin elasticity. Fat transfer can also be used after breast augmentation with implants or in conjunction with reconstruction to refine results and help achieve the optimal outcome. Breast fat grafting can:
Correct breast asymmetry
Increases the breast size by one or two cup sizes
Helps correct scar deformities from lumpectomy or breast reconstruction
Repairs radiation tissue damage and can treat breast implant capsular contractures
Anesthesia for the procedure is usually done with general anesthesia. However, procedures that don’t involve a large amount of liposuction can sometimes be done with only local anesthesia and sedation. During the procedure, Dr. Schreiber will use liposuction to harvest the fat which is then processed in a sterile fashion to isolate just the fat cells. The fat is then carefully and gently injected in the breasts to mold and contour them as discussed during the consultation. Dressings are then placed over the liposuction areas and breasts. A bra may or may not be applied depending upon the amount of fat grafted to the breasts. Once in recovery, you will rest quietly until you are ready to go home or until you are ready to go to your private hospital room.
Fat Grafting to the Buttocks & Hips (Brazilian Butt Lift)
During this procedure, Dr. Schreiber removes fat from an area where it’s not wanted—such as the abdomen or thighs—and places it into the buttocks. Essentially, this is a combination of liposuction AND buttock augmentation. In properly skilled hands, it is not just about increasing the size of the butt, but also about obtaining a more shapely butt and contouring the entire torso, including the waist, abdomen, and thighs. Fat grafting can:
Augment buttocks size (aka Baltimore butt lift)
Makes buttocks appear perkier
Adds volume to achieve a more feminine profile and better waist-hip ratio
Recovery from fat grafting procedures ranges from 7-14 days depending upon many factors, like how much fat was removed and whether or not other procedures were done in combination.
Dr. Schreiber offers cosmetic surgery consultations in his comfortable, private office with ample parking. So, if you’d like to discuss the possibility of getting fat grafting to your breasts, buttocks or face, please call us at (410) 205-1846 or fill out our Schedule an Appointment located on the side of this page.
