The simplest definition of a fat transfer is it’s a medical procedure that involves transferring excess fat from one area of the body to another area that’s lacking in definition. Also commonly referred to as a fat injection or fat grafting, the outer thighs are one of the most common sites for getting the excess fat to transfer. And in terms of where that fat may be transferred, the butt, breasts, hands and face are all popular options.

5 Examples of Why a Body Fat Transfer May Be the Right Choice

The first example of when this procedure may be a perfect fit is if natural-looking results are someone’s top priority. The second example is if a patient is interested in a permanent solution instead of temporary fillers. The third example is if a woman wants to undergo a breast reconstruction in order to hide obvious signs of implants or fill in contour irregularities. The next example is to improve areas of the face that appear sunken or creased. And the last example is to rejuvenate the appearance of hands. If any of those descriptions accurately represent your current situation, you should strongly consider scheduling a consultation with a doctor who specializes in body fat transfers.

The Pros and Cons of a Body Fat Transfer

As with any medical procedure, there are pros and cons to getting a body fat transfer. A significant upside of opting for this procedure is because your own fat is used, it dramatically reduces the likelihood of adverse reactions that may be caused by a dermal filler or other foreign substance being put into the body. Another advantage is that the results of a fat transfer will look natural and last for a long time. When a fat transfer is used specifically for facial rejuvenation, it offers the benefit of being noninvasive.

In terms of the downsides, one issue is that it does take more time to prepare fat for transfer than it does to administer dermal fillers. It’s also important to be aware that fat transfers generally cost more than procedures that utilize dermal fillers. And if you’re interested in having a fat transfer done to augment your butt or breasts, you may have to go through multiple sessions in order to get the results you want.

What to Expect During This Procedure

While the exact process of a body fat transfer will depend on the area of the body that’s being altered, all body fat injections involve harvesting, purification and then transfer. Once a site is chosen for harvesting, it will be injected with a local anesthetic. After enough fat has been harvested, it will be purified with the help of a centrifuge. Then the transfer site will be prepared, followed by injection and proper contouring.

If you want to discuss having a fat transfer done, you can easily schedule a 1-on-1 consultation with an experienced doctor.