People may joke about taking fat from a place where you don't want it on your body or face, and putting it where you do. But that's just what happens with a type of cosmetic surgery called fat transfer or fat grafting. The fat is removed from one area of the body, purified, and then goes to fill in some other area. It sounds like the perfect solution, solving two problems with one procedure. But this is not an easy surgery. There can be complications, too, so you need to get all the facts before considering this.
In fat injections, fat can be taken from areas such as the buttocks, back, hip or thigh. The fat is chemically treated and then is injected into another area. For example, it can be injected into the face to fill in lines or wrinkles. It could be transferred to the hands to plump them out. It could be used to fill in the lips. It can treat hollowed areas on the face, for example on the cheeks. Sometimes fat is even taken from one area and put into the rear end to augment that area.
This is not an easy surgery. It has many steps, and therefore a greater potential for things to go wrong. Potential complications include infection, scarring, uneven appearance, and anesthesia risks. It is essential that anyone getting this procedure use only a good surgeon who is board-certified and has done many similar procedures in the past.
Fat transfer can last longer than other types of materials used to fill in lines and wrinkles. In fact, the result may last indefinitely, which is all the more reason to make sure you find a cosmetic surgeon who knows what he or she is doing.
For more information on fat transfer, fat injections, fat augmentation or fat grafting surgery see Fat Transfer