On This Page
Fat grafting makes use of tissue from other areas of the patient’s body to achieve desired aesthetic results. Benefits can include decreased appearance of wrinkles, improved appearance of scars, and reconstruction of damaged areas. Some patients view this process as a more “natural” alternative to implant-based procedures. In consultation with Dr. Aya-ay, patients can determine whether fat grafting is the procedure best suited to their needs.
What is Fat Grafting?
Autologous fat grafting is a surgical procedure that has gained popularity over the last several years. The procedure involves harvesting fat from a separate site in the patient’s body utilizing liposuction. The fat is prepared and then reinjected into the treatment area using small injection needles. Fat grafting can be used throughout the body to restore volume to areas of volume loss, correct contour irregularities, and enhance or augment volume. Common areas for fat grafting in our practice are the face, breasts for volume, cleavage and asymmetries, the hip dips, small volume grafting to the buttock, contour irregularities of the breasts following breast reconstruction, and other postsurgical contour irregularities.
Melanie L. Aya-ay, M.D.
BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON
Dr. Melanie Aya-ay is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Tampa Bay with over 15 years of plastic surgery experience specializing in cosmetic surgery, reconstructive breast surgery and minimally invasive techniques for facial and body rejuvenation. She is known for her skill and excellence in revision surgery, specifically for difficult breast surgery revisions. Dr. Aya-ay is an Allergan Medical Institute (AMI) National Trainer for Facial Aesthetics and AMI National Speaker for Plastic and Regenerative Medicine. She is honored to be the first female surgeon to hold this dual faculty position with Allergan.
Dr. Aya-ay is the CEO and owner of Melanie L. Aya-ay, MD Plastic Surgery as well as Vivia MedSpa, an elite luxury medical spa in North Tampa. Her practice and her team have been built on the values of honesty, integrity, education, safety, and providing comprehensive aesthetic care with natural results. Your consultation with Dr. Aya-ay will be an educational experience so that you can be assured that you are making the choices that are best for you. Our staff will provide all the assistance needed to help you navigate through the process for a successful Plastic Surgery experience.
Fat Grafting Procedure
The procedure can be performed with local anesthesia, with or without oral sedation, with IV sedation, or under general anesthesia. Small treatment areas can be performed as an office-based procedure, while larger procedures are done in a surgery center or hospital-based operating room. Depending on the area of the body the procedure is addressing, the surgical process can range from an hour to a few hours in length. The surgery is an outpatient procedure, so patients can expect to return home on the day of the surgery.
Beautiful, Natural, Results.
BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS
Fat Grafting Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients will experience some mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and discomfort with this procedure. Pain medication and an antibiotic are typically prescribed to ensure proper healing. There will be activity restrictions for about 2 weeks or until the incisions are well-healed to avoid postoperative complications. Dr. Aya-ay and her staff will review the postoperative instructions with you at your consultation and again at your preoperative visit to ensure that you are comfortable with your postoperative care.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about fat grafting or other potential options, schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Aya-ay at our Tampa office. A consultation is a chance to collaborate to decide what procedure or treatment would be best suited for you and your needs.
