What Is Fat Transfer?
Fat transfer can be seen as a dream treatment as it transfers body fat from an undesirable place to more desirable one. For those that want to reduce a fat tummy and flat buttocks, this treatment can do the trick. It is a procedure of transferring fat from areas of surplus fat to areas of volume depletion or to areas where adding volume will improve the look or achieve more symmetry or harmony.
Dr Luciano Tracia, Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Aesthetica Clinics says, “The fat transfer or Lipofilling procedure is a surgical technique that allows to move your own fat from one area of your body to another; for this reason it is a complementary step of the liposuction. During the liposuction procedure the fat is collected from the areas where it is accumulated, where it creates imperfections or more simply where the patient doesn't like it. After the fat is collected, the lipofilling procedure begins. In this step instead, the fat is purified, cleaned and prepared to be transferred to another area.”
Dr Sanjay Parashar, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Cocoona Centre for Aesthetic Transformation says, “Fat transfer is a procedure where body’s own fat is removed by a procedure similar to liposuction using a special device ensuring the fat cells are viable and then it is transplanted in other parts of the body for rejuvenation, restoration and even reconstruction of body areas.”
What Are The Different Types Of Fat Transfer Procedures?
There are three types of procedures depending upon the amount of fat that needs to be transferred. The procedures differ depending on what area is being treated.
Dr Manoj Kumar, Principal Consultant at Bloom Aesthetics says, “Fat transfer can be major procedure where up to 3 litres can be transferred. It can also be Microfat transfer where fat is reduced in size using special techniques before transferring, especially in face. Another variant is called Nanofat transfer which is mainly used to rejuvenate the skin and correct fine wrinkles on face.”
Dr Sanjay Parashar of Cocoona Centre for Aesthetic Transformation sheds some light below on the different type of procedures which are used to transfer fat from one part to another.
• Megafat transfer is a procedure where large volume of fat is harvested from areas such as abdomen, back, arms and or thighs and the fat is injected to gluteal region or buttock region to improve the contour and lift the sagging skin. It can also be transferred to other areas such as breasts particularly in people with congenital deformities like tuberous breast, or loss of breast volume or post cancer reconstruction of the breasts. In this method often 500 to 1000 ml fat can be transferred safely.
• Microfat transfer is harvesting small quantity of fat with the help of a syringe from lower abdomen or outer thighs. The fat is then prepared with a special device to remove liquid and then it is injected in the face and hands for rejuvenation and volume replenishment. It can also be used to inject in areas with contour depression due to north defects like hemifacial atrophy, diseases like scleroderma or traumatic depressions.
• Nanofat graft is where fat cells are removed in micrometre size and further reduced in size to nanometres with a special device and filters. These tiny droplets of fat cells or membranes are used in the dermis of the skin for new collagen formation, repair of cells in the skin and hence can be used to treat fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars.
• Stromal Vascular Factor (SVF) is derived from fat cells using a very specialised technique based on the principle that the membrane of fat cells contains specialised growth factors that help in regenerating body cells. SVF produces millions of such growth factor that can be used to treat alopecia, or hair thinning, aging skin, acne scars and stretch marks. SVF is also used by Orthpaedic specialists to inject in joints to regenerate torn ligaments and discs.
Who Should Consider Fat Transfer Procedure?
According to the experts, the procedure is perfect for those who are looking for longer-lasting results, body contours and more natural solutions. Dr Dany Kayle, Medical Director at Dr Kayle Aesthetic Clinic says, “Fat transfer is to be considered for any patient who needs a long lasting natural filler to add volume in order to improve on the shape of the face or certain areas of the body. Although hyaluronic acid fillers remain an option; however, fat is superior as it is more natural and longer lasting.”
Dr Sanjay Parashar of Cocoona Centre for Aesthetic Transformation says, “Fat transfer can be considered for many issues that men and women go through. The most popular areas include buttocks, hips and breasts for females to improve size and shape of the areas. Young men and women who suffer from hair thinning, acne scars, stretch marks or birth contour deformities in face and body. More mature men and women with issues of wrinkles, folds and signs of ageing can consider fat transfer for rejuvenation.”
What Are The Advantages Of Fat Transfer?
1. It is more natural; being the same patient's fat, the patient can never have an allergic reaction to it.
2. The procedure can be performed under local anaesthesia with or without sedation.
3. It is a minimal invasive procedure that does not include risks of scarring or wound healing. The procedure can be easily repeated as and when required or desired.
4. It is much longer lasting; in worst case scenario, 30% will stay for good.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Fat Transfer?
1. It is a bit time consuming taking approximately 1 and a half to 2 hours.
2. The procedure by itself is more costly: however, when compared, volume to volume, to hyaluronic acid fillers, fat turns out to be cheaper.
3. The minor risks include infection, lumpiness and cyst formation.
What Is The Fitness Regime Recommended Before The Treatment?
Dr Luciano Tracia Of Aesthetica Clinics says, “Having a healthy lifestyle is very important before the surgery, but especially afterwards. The doctor can achieve the best results but, from that moment, is up to the patient to maintain them. Good food, sport and diet are the keywords to preserve and improve the results obtained.”