Questions? What to expect from fat transfer procedure
Fat transfer can be done under either general or local anaesthesic depending on the extent of the area to be treated. If it is done under local anaesthesic, both the area from which the fat cells are taken and the area into which they are injected will be anaesthetized.
- During the procedure the surgeon uses a thin needle called a cannula to harvest cells from a fat-rich area of you body like the abdomen or hips. This process is very much like liposuction.
- The fat cells are then centrifuged to separate intact cells from those that have been damaged.
- The live fat cells are then injected into the areas to be treated using a very fine cannula and multiple passes for every milliliter of graft.
The careful placement of the fat cells into tiny pockets of surrounding tissue with good blood supply creates the proper setting for the graft to "take". The process is similar to what happens when a skin graft is placed on a clean wound. In either case, once the graft has taken it becomes stable.
Currently this technique is most commonly used on the face. However it has been used successfully on other areas including the back of the hands and the buttocks, and more recently for the breasts.
Fat transfer consultation
During your consultation your surgeon will take a general medical history and ask about any medications you are taking. He will also explain how fat transfer works, ask about your goals for the procedure and discuss what you should expect.
Recovering after fat transfer procedure
After your procedure you will be given an antibiotic and possibly some antiviral medication as well (for patients that tend to suffer with herpes and had treatment to their lips). It is important that you finish all the medication you are given.
During this time, there are a number of things you should expect.
- If you experience discomfort, the hospital may give you pain medication or you may be advised to take a mild pain killer like Paracetamol. Please avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory tablets as they can promote bleeding.
- If your procedure was performed under local anaesthetic you must avoid hot drinks and food that needs chewing for at least six hours.
- You may take your usual medications as soon as you are allowed to eat and drink unless otherwise advised.
- You will probably feel swollen and bruised for a week or so after your procedure, longer if you had a large area treated. Cold compresses, gently applied, can be of help. Ointments like Lasonil® can assist to get rid of the bruises fast.
- Your stitches will be removed at your first follow-up appointment, approximately 5-7 days after your procedure.
