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fat transfer Atlanta

Can I Have My Breasts Augmented with My Own Fat?

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At some point, nearly all of us have looked in the mirror and said, “if only I had a little less volume here and a little more there.” That’s why so many patients ask, “Can I just use liposuction to take the fat I don’t want from my tummy or thighs and use it to make my breasts larger?” As medical science has advanced in recent years, we have found safe and successful ways to do this, so essentially, the answer is “yes”—but with some caveats, of course.

Fat transfer as a procedure is becoming more and more popular. It involves first removing the unwanted fat with a cannula (the narrow tube used for liposuction) before purifying the fat and then injecting it into the desired area. It has proven particularly successful for facial rejuvenation (to fill in the “hollows” that develop as we age and replace youthful volume) as well as for breast reconstruction in breast cancer patients and survivors. Fat transfer can also be used for a straightforward breast augmentation, but it isn’t the ideal choice for most patients, and my video below explains more:

At the end of the day, plastic surgery is tailored to each patient’s needs, and the only way to truly determine the best way to get the results you want is through a pre-surgical consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon like me. To discuss your options for breast augmentation or other aesthetic changes, schedule your consultation today. Or, to stay up-to-date on the latest news and health tips in cosmetic surgery, follow the Dr. Franklyn Elliott Facebook page, and join me on Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well.

Your Liposuction Questions Answered

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Unwanted fat is one of the most common aesthetic concerns for Americans, and the idea of simply sucking out the fat we don’t want sounds like a dream. But liposuction is a significant surgical procedure, and like all surgeries, it requires planning and expertise in order to achieve the safest and most successful outcome. One of the best ways to prepare for liposuction is to do research and educate yourself about the procedure, but be cautious that the information is coming from a reputable source. As a board-certified plastic surgeon who’s been performing liposuction for thirty years, I’m happy to get you started with answers to the most commonly asked liposuction questions.

Your Liposuction Questions AnsweredHow does liposuction work?

Liposuction has various forms, but the type I perform is called tumescent liposuction. Tiny incisions are made around the treatment area, and small tubes are used to first apply a liquid solution, then to use these tubes (called cannulas) to suction out fat from the targeted area.

Where does the fat go after liposuction?

In most cases, the fat extracted from liposuction is simply disposed of, but a procedure which is becoming more and more popular is called fat transfer. After liposuction, some of your fat is purified and then injected into an area where you want to add volume, such as the breasts or precise areas of the face.

Are the results of liposuction permanent?

The results of liposuction are intended to be permanent. What this means is that the fat cells which are removed will not reappear, but if you gain weight in the future, fat can accumulate in surrounding areas and the remaining fat cells in your treatment area can become larger. In other words, while the fat cells are permanently gone, you can once again find yourself with unwanted fat if you gain weight, so your healthy habits will determine whether you maintain your liposuction results.

How much weight will I lose from liposuction?

Liposuction actually has little effect on the number on your scale. It is not a method for weight loss but is instead a way to address specific areas of stubborn fat, also known as body contouring. However, many patients who want to lose weight find great success by reaching their goal weight first and then using liposuction to fine-tine the appearance they’ve worked so hard for.

Can liposuction reduce sagging skin?

Liposuction solely focuses on removing fat, so it will not tighten excess skin. However, some patients benefit from a surgery which combines both fat removal and skin excision, like a tummy tuck or arm lift accompanied by liposuction.

When will I see results from my liposuction?

Although the fat liposuction removes is gone immediately, your results won’t be fully visible until your swelling has subsided. This can take up to several months, although many see some results in just a few weeks depending on the amount of fat removed, so before your surgery, be sure to find out what expectations you should have and when you should be able to tell whether you’re happy with your final results.

Will I have scars after liposuction?

Any surgery will leave a scar, but the scars from liposuction are particularly small and subtle. The incisions only need to be large enough for the tiny tube which removes the fat, so the incisions are very small and are strategically placed in areas that are as discreet as possible.

How long will it take to recover from liposuction?

Most liposuction patients can return to work or most of their daily activities after just a few days to one week. However, every patient’s recovery is unique, so your timeline will depend on your body’s natural healing process, the details of your procedure, your medical needs, and the amount of exertion your job requires.

When it’s done well by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, liposuction can be a successful and rewarding way for patients to achieve the precise contours that a healthy diet and exercise routine has not been able to provide. To get started, schedule a plastic surgery consultation with me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Or, for more helpful tips and plastic surgery information, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Fat Transfer for Breast Enhancement

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One of the most exciting developments in breast enhancement is fat transfer. In this technique, liposuction first removes some excess, unwanted fat from a desired part of the body – usually the abdomen or thighs. The removed fat is purified, and then is injected into the patient’s breasts. Fat transfer can be used either as a stand-alone breast augmentation procedure, or as a way to enhance the results of breast reconstruction. There are many reasons why fat transfer can be a successful option for many women if performed in the appropriate setting, but as a board certified plastic surgeon, I also want to caution patients about a few misconceptions about the procedure.

breast-reduction-atlanta-georgiaAdvantage: Fat transfer is a very simple way to enhance the breasts. The injections can be done using local anesthetic, so this procedure is minimally-invasive and carries less risk of an infection, simply because it minimizes the incisions that would otherwise be larger if implants were used to increase the breast size.

Advantage: Fat transfer may provide smoother, natural-looking results. Because the added tissue is soft and free-moving, rather than inside a flexible yet round shape, it seamlessly adds volume to create an especially natural-looking result.

However, fat transfer provides a more mild augmentation than implants do. While fat transfer patients, like breast implant patients, can choose how significant they would like their size change to be, fat transfer simply has a more limited augmentation potential than implants do. In addition, it isn’t possible to know how much of the injected fat will ultimately survive and how much will be reabsorbed, so there may be a higher risk of breast asymmetry. Fat transfer is ideal for women who are looking for a natural, subtle breast enhancement, while implants are typically preferable for women who are seeking a more substantial size increase.

Advantage: Fat transfer combines two cosmetic enhancements in one: removing excess fat and adding breast volume. By using the patient’s own fat to augment her breasts, the fat transfer procedure serves two cosmetic purposes at once. For many women, combining the procedures can diminish the total recovery time, compared to having two separate procedures for liposuction and breast augmentation using implants.

However, this procedure should not be used for quick weight loss. Some patients who are in the process of losing weight feel that this procedure would be a good way to kick-start their results. But in order to provide the best possible plastic surgery results, I encourage patients to reach a stable weight before undergoing any plastic surgery procedure. Fat transfer is more ideal for patients who have reached a healthy, stable weight, but have stubborn pockets of fat that are not responding to healthy diet and exercise.

The fat transfer technique can be a great way for breast augmentation and breast reconstruction patients to have more natural-looking, safer results. But just as with any cosmetic procedure, patients need to be cautious about who they allow to perform the procedure, and about having realistic and accurate expectations for their results. Fortunately, both of these concerns can be resolved simply by doing your research. To start the process toward being more comfortable with your appearance, contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, to schedule a consultation and join me on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+ for daily updates about the procedures I offer.

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