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 by means of 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, to correct contour irregularities, and to enhance or augment volume. Common areas for fat grafting in our practice are the deep lines around the mouth, contour irregularities of the breasts following breast reconstruction, and other postsurgical contour irregularities.

The 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. The surgery is an outpatient procedure.

The Recovery

Most patients will have some mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and discomfort with this procedure. Pain medication and an antibiotic are prescribed. There will be a few sutures and dressings to be removed. There will be activity restrictions for 2 weeks or until the incisions are well healed.