Fat Transfer
If you are looking for a natural way to enhance the face, breast, or body, consider fat transfer. Among doctors in Lexington, Louisville, London, or even Bowling Green, KY, or Knoxville, TN, Dr. Jared Nimtz stands out for his advanced techniques that use fat from one area to reshape or fill out another. Because the patient’s own fat provides the enhancement, results look and feel very natural.
What Is Fat Transfer?
Fat transfer, also called fat grafting, is a procedure that involves carefully collecting the patient’s own fat from one or more donor areas using liposuction, purifying it, and injecting it into areas where the patient wants more volume. A certain percentage of that fat establishes a new blood supply and remains in place indefinitely, so improvements are long lasting. Some of the fat does not survive and is gradually absorbed by the body.
What Can Fat Grafting Improve?
Dr. Nimtz uses this versatile procedure to provide a range of improvements, either on its own or in combination with other cosmetic surgery procedures. The following are some of the treatment applications.
Facial Rejuvenation
Fat transfer is a natural alternative to injectable fillers and volumizers. For facial rejuvenation, Dr. Nimtz uses it to smooth out wrinkles, restore volume to flattened cheeks, fill in hollows around the eyes and folds around the mouth, and lift a sagging jawline. He also uses fat transfer to add fullness and definition to the lips.
Breast Augmentation With Fat Transfer
For women who want natural breast augmentation, Dr. Nimtz can use fat grafting to provide a slight increase in the size of their breasts and add fullness to the upper breasts or cleavage area. He also uses fat grafting to fill in irregularities after breast reconstruction.
Buttock Augmentation
Dr. Nimtz performs Brazilian butt lift procedures using fat transfer to create fuller, rounder buttocks. Common donor areas include the waist, abdomen, hips, and thighs.
In addition to adding fullness and reshaping target areas, the donor areas may be slimmed down and contoured.
Dr. Jared Nimtz
Dr. Nimtz is a Lexington board-certified plastic surgeon who is highly skilled, experienced, and truly cares about his patients. Through a conservative, classic approach to surgery he provides natural-looking results that are attractive and proportionate.
Meet Dr. Nimtz
Who’s an Ideal Candidate for Fat Transfer Surgery?
Fat transfer may be a good option if you:
- Want an all-natural way to augment your face, breasts, or body.
- Have enough fat to use for your desired procedure; more is needed for the buttocks than the face.
- Accept the fact that some of the fat will not survive, and you may need a touch-up procedure.
- Are prepared to be sore in the places fat is collected in addition to where it is placed.
How Is Fat Transfer Performed?
Fat transfer is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. The procedure takes on average just 1 to 2 hours to complete with the patient under local anesthesia or general anesthesia depending on the areas being treated.
Once the anesthetic has been administered and the patient is comfortable, Dr. Nimtz collects fat from one or more areas of unwanted fat such as the belly, thighs, or hips using liposuction. The fat is then purified using a centrifuge to separate out fat cells, then carefully injected where it’s needed with a thin, blunt-ended tube called a cannula.
While the procedure may sound straightforward, it requires an experienced plastic surgeon such as Dr. Nimtz to achieve maximum fat survival and to inject small amounts gradually and precisely for the most natural-looking results.
How Much Does Fat Transfer Cost in Lexington & London?
The cost for fat transfer depends on multiple factors, including the area being augmented and the amount of fat collected and injected. After your consultation with Dr. Nimtz, we will develop a personalized quote for your procedure that you can take with you and review at home. We do offer CareCredit financing for qualified patients.
What Is Recovery Like After Fat Transfer?
For about a week, expect to have tenderness, swelling, and bruising in both the donor area and the recipient area. Typically, patients are ready to resume their regular activities within 2 weeks of treatment.
Facial Fat Transfer Recovery
Most patients are ready to resume nonstrenuous activities and work in about a week and be seen in public within 2 weeks. Sleeping with your head elevated can help minimize swelling.
Brazilian Butt Lift Recovery
Expect the recovery period to last about 6 weeks. For the first 14 days, you’ll need to avoid putting pressure directly on your buttocks when sitting or lying down. You will need to wear a special compression garment for at least 2 weeks to control the swelling in the buttocks.
Breast Augmentation With Fat Transfer Recovery
After natural breast augmentation, most patients are ready to return to work and resume gentle activities within about 1 to 2 weeks. Expect some initial swelling and bruising, which can be minimized by sleeping in a recliner or propped up with pillows. Strenuous activities should be avoided for at least 4 weeks following surgery.
Fat Transfer FAQ
Is fat grafting safe?
The procedure is safe if you choose an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who uses proper fat collection and injection techniques.
Are results from fat transfer surgery permanent?
Results last indefinitely without significant weight changes. If you gain or lose weight, the transferred fat will behave like the area from which it was harvested.
Is the surgery painful?
Expect soreness, not pain, where fat was removed and where it was placed. Any discomfort is usually well controlled with prescription medication.
How much fat do you need for a fat transfer?
The amount of fat needed depends on the area being augmented. Dr. Nimtz will assess your fat deposits during your consultation to determine if you have enough fat for the procedure.
Can your body reject a fat transfer?
Because your own fat is transferred, the body will not reject it. However, not all of the fat will develop a new blood supply and survive; some of it will die off and be flushed out of the body naturally.
Is fat grafting better than breast implants?
Fat grafting provides a modest increase in breast size (about one cup size). If you are looking for an alternative to implants and don’t want your breasts to be significantly larger, fat grafting may be a great option. Dr. Nimtz also uses fat grafting to enhance the results of breast augmentation with implants, such as to add fullness to the upper breasts or cleavage area.
To Learn More
Are you ready to discover how Dr. Jared Nimtz can enhance your look naturally with fat grafting? Request your consultation at Commonwealth Plastic Surgery in Lexington, KY, or call (859) 277-9435 for an appointment.
