Fat Transfer

Autologous fat grafting is the removal of fat from one area of the body and subsequent injection into another area. Fat grafting can be very useful for filling in facial wrinkles or augmenting certain areas of the body. Because it uses your own tissue, fat grafting can provide natural and long lasting results.

Body Treatments Using Fat Transfer

Cosmetic and reconstructive surgeons have used fat grafting to treat a wide variety of conditions. On the body, injections of fat can be used to perform a procedure commonly known as the Brazilian Butt Lift.

This surgical procedure is intended to provide increased fullness and enhanced shape in the buttocks. Your cosmetic surgeon performs liposuction on the back and hips and then injects the fat into the buttocks to provide more fullness and shape. This procedure is not indicated for patients who are very thin or have limited body fat.

How Fat Transfer Works

During a fat transfer procedure, your surgeon carefully removes fat cells from your body with liposuction. Using a small cannula and minimal suction, a sufficient amount of fat can be removed from the abdomen, thighs, buttocks or elsewhere. The fat is then prepared (separating fluids from the graft) before it is injected into the treatment area. The injections are done in a series, placing a small amount of fat with each pass.

What to Expect After Fat Transfer

After the injection, a bandage may be applied over the injection site. Expect some bruising, swelling and redness in both the donor and recipient areas. One of the drawbacks of fat transfer is its unpredictable longevity. Injected fat can last a very long time (over 1 year), but in some cases the body absorbs the tissue in several months. Like all surgical procedures, fat grafting has a risk of complications. During your consultation with Dr. Cuzalina or Dr. Koehler, you can discuss these risks as they relate to your individual treatment plan.

To learn more about treatment options in fat transfer, contact Tulsa Surgical Arts Oklahoma Cosmetic Surgery Center.