Fat Transfer to Enhance Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery Results
With recent buzz from the media about using fat injections in plastic surgery, patients are frequently asking about which cosmetic and reconstructive procedures can use fat transfer. Board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Franklyn Elliott has over 25 years of experience performing cosmetic and reconstructive procedures and has found fat transfers advantageous in enhancing overall plastic surgery results. Fat transfer has proven beneficial in breast procedures including breast augmentation and reconstruction by providing patients with added volume.
Fat transfer, also referred to as fat injections, uses liposuction to remove unwanted fat from one area of the body for purification and re-injection into another area of the body to add volume. Fat is typically removed from the abdomen, buttocks, or thighs and then purified before re-injection to the breasts. Using liposuction, fat transfer only removes semi-solid fat for injection. Fat transfer provides long-lasting results with lower complication risks since the materials are taken from the patient’s own body rather than using a synthetic product.
Over the past decade, studies have taken a closer look into the benefits of fat transfer, specifically in breast reconstruction patients. The reported complication rates have been relatively low, with overall high patient satisfaction according to the 2012 American Society of Plastic Surgeons Guiding Principles. Breast reconstruction is a common procedure for breast cancer patients who have had a mastectomy or lumpectomy to restore their breasts. Dr. Elliott frequently performs a TRAM flap, or transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous surgery, which uses a portion of abdominal fat, muscle and skin to reconstruct a breast. With a special interest in refining breast techniques to involve fewer steps and decrease a patient’s risk of complications, Dr. Elliott often incorporates fat transfer in his reconstructive cases to provide his patients with smoother, natural-looking results.
While each procedure is unique for each patient, Dr. Elliott thoroughly discusses your cosmetic and reconstructive surgery goals to ensure you feel comfortable about the technique used to help you achieve your desired goals. If you are interested in learning more about fat transfer or any other cosmetic or reconstructive surgery procedure by Dr. Elliott, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Also be sure to follow Dr. Elliott on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery updates.