Fat Transfer in Plano, TX

The fat transfer or fat grafting procedure involves transferring fat from one area of the body to other areas that have lost volume as a result of the natural aging process. This procedure is commonly used for the face, buttocks, breast, and body. As a result, Plano, TX board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Vu Ho is able to use a patient’s own fat tissue as a natural filler to allow them to artistically enhance and shape areas of volume depletion and restore a youthful fullness. Fat grafting is often combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as face lifting and laser resurfacing, for optimal facial surgery results. Since a patient’s own fat is used, the procedure consists of 100% natural material with minimal downtime.

It's normal to experience some degree of volume loss as a result of age, pregnancy, or hormone changes. A fat transfer can effectively restore this volume without the need for artificial fillers or implants. And since the fat is taken from your own body, it eliminates the risk of allergic reactions or other adverse effects. Patients can expect results to last for years if they continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including healthy eating habits and regular exercise. Our experienced surgeon uses the most advanced tools and techniques in the industry to ensure the best outcomes.

Men and women are turning to plastic surgeons to perform fat transfers to plump cheeks, fill in lips, and make buttocks and breasts fuller and shapelier. Great candidates for a fat transfer:

• Have areas of the body with enough excess fat for liposuction
• Have areas of the body that are flat or thin and need volume
• Are allergic to injectable fillers, such as Radiesse® or Voluma®
• Need tissue replenished following a cancer removal surgery
• Have overall good health

Once the patient is under general anesthesia or local sedation (depending upon the specific procedure), an instrument called a cannula is inserted into the skin to suction out the fat. Incisions for this procedure are routinely very small and will be easily hidden under clothing. The removed fat is then sorted and purified before being put into a syringe for the transfer. The surgeon will inject the fat into the skin and massage the area so that the fat settles smoothly into the needed area. This process may have to be performed several times, which is also known as a layered fat grafting, for the best results. The patient will see redness and swelling initially, but fat transfers usually have a downtime (7 – 10 days) and total recovery period (1 – 2 weeks).

Patients receiving a fat transfer may need additional grafting surgeries in the future. As the fat settles into the new area of the body, it may become reabsorbed by the body. Fat transfer is generally an easier and more natural way to enhance and add volume to areas of the body than dermal injectables or artificial implants. Some patients may consider having dermal injections in the area(s) that need volume as a test to see what they do or do not like about the size the surgeon makes their backside.

Dr. Ho and our entire staff are completely dedicated to prioritizing your comfort, safety, and satisfaction during this cosmetic procedure. If you are undergoing a small fat grafting procedure under local in the office, we now offer the PRO-NOX™ Nitrous Oxide Delivery System to ensure your comfort.

With the PRO-NOX system, you can control anxiety or pain during any medical procedure. Much like what you might receive from your dentist for pain, this vapor blend allows you, the patient, to choose the strength of the nitrous oxide and oxygen flow.

As the lone fat transfer system that has been clinically proven to improve long-term graft retention, Suneva® PureGraft can remove over 97% of contaminants, significantly increasing the body's chances of retention. Thanks to its selective-filtration technology, the device is able to lightly dialyze collected fat and eliminate blood, oil, fluid, and fragmented cells while leaving behind the beneficial fat cells necessary for the transfer. This device may be used with your procedure.  Additionally, procedures using PureGraft are able to operate much more efficiently, reducing the length of procedures and allowing patients to return home even sooner. If you've been considering a fat transfer, schedule a consultation with us to discuss the benefits of the Suneva PureGraft.

How much does a fat transfer cost?
The cost of a fat transfer will vary greatly depending on several factors. For transfers to the butt or breasts, a larger volume of fat is needed, thus surgical liposuction is used, which means a lengthier process is performed for fat purification and then inject accordingly. Smaller fat transfers, such as adding facial volume, take less fat and time. The volume amount required to achieve your goals will be discussed in your initial consultation with Dr. Ho, along with estimates of cost and payment options for you to consider.

Where can I have fat transferred?
Fat can be transferred almost anywhere on your body or face where you want to add volume. a few of the most common areas are the butt (typically known as a Brazilian butt lift), breasts, face, and hands. A fat transfer might be combined with breast implants or breast reconstruction to fix flaws. Volume loss caused by aging in the hands and face can also be corrected with fat grafting, particularly in the hollows under the eyes or to add shape to your lips. Talk to Dr. Ho during your consultation where you want to add volume so he can create your personal fat transfer plan.

How long will the results of a fat transfer last?
A fat transfer offers beautiful, effective results that can last for a long time with proper care. Dr. Ho employs advanced techniques to purify and graft fat, which limits reabsorption. However, there is generally a certain amount of fat that doesn't attach to its new location, so Dr. Ho often transfers a little more fat than is needed. If you would like to enhance or touch up your appearance after a while, a second fat transfer may be discussed.

Are there any alternative treatments to a fat transfer?
Depending on the area that needs fat, there may be an alternative to a fat transfer. In your buttocks and breasts, implants may be surgically placed rather than a fat transfer. In your hands and face, Beyond Beautiful offers several dermal fillers for long-term volume and skin rejuvenation. Dr. Ho will discuss all of the various options during your initial consultation so you can have the results that meet your concerns and goals.

What if I don't have enough fat for a transfer?
In your first appointment with Dr. Ho, he will discuss how much fat is required to meet your goals. In some cases, you might not have enough excess fat for the transfer; however, this is typically only a problem if you want a large volume of fat transferred or you have a very low body fat percentage. Fat can be removed from several areas or combined with donor fat. Dr. Ho will discuss all of your choices during this consultation.

Weight loss, aging, and genetics are all reasons why an area of the body needs replenished volume. A fat transfer creates fuller, healthier-looking areas of the body without allergic reactions since it is the patient’s own fat. We invite you to schedule a consultation to learn more about fat transfer surgery and your options.