Fat Transfer

Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or fat injections, are a type of soft tissue filler that may be used to enhance the lips or to fill in lines and creases that may develop as we age and the effects of gravity, smiling, chewing, and squinting take their toll. Fat is one of several options you have to treat these conditions. Other options include collagen injections and alloderm placement. You are encouraged to read about all three of these types of soft tissue fillers so that you may make the right choice for your individual situation.

These techniques may also be used to enhance the results of another procedure, such as chemical peels, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, facelifting, brow lifting, and laser resurfacing. Dr. Revis is a specialist in these state of the art techniques and can help guide your selection of the most appropriate treatment or combination of treatments to help you achieve the appearance you desire.

Soft tissue fillers have their differences, and it is important to understand these differences prior to selecting a particular treatment. Individual results with soft tissue fillers vary a great deal, and this phenomenon is not completely understood. Some patients do maintain the injected volume permanently, but in other patients the results may fade after only a few months. Longevity of a treatment may also be related to the muscle activity in the area. Areas with intense, repetitive muscle activity seem to metabolize the fat more rapidly than areas with less muscle activity. Because of this, fat injections are sometimes combined with Botox injections to paralyze the regional muscles and prolong the effects of the injected fat.

When compared with other soft tissue fillers, the primary advantage of fat is that it is tissue from your own body. You will not have an allergic reaction to injected fat, because Dr. Revis removes it from one region of your body and places it in another. Another advantage is that fat seems to last longer than collagen or alloderm. Dr. Revis achieves approximately 50% permanent survival of injected fat due to special techniques he has developed through the course of his experience. This means that 50% of the injected fat will survive and become permanent and will never have to be replaced. 

To compensate for the 50% of injected fat that does not survive, Dr. Revis will over-inject the areas to be treated, because he knows that with healing, 50% of the injected fat will not survive but will be harmlessly absorbed by the body. If you are not satisfied with the survival of the fat after healing has occurred, fat grafting may be repeated until you are satisfied with your results and have achieved the appearance you desire. 

If you think you might be a good candidate for fat injections or one of the other soft tissue fillers, this page will give you a basic understanding of the procedure and the results you can expect. However, Dr. Revis feels it is extremely important to individualize treatment to your specific circumstances and goals, therefore it is recommended that you visit our office for a complimentary consultation. You are also invited to email Dr. Revis with your questions, or we will mail you more detailed information regarding the procedure.

The Consultation

During your initial consultation, Dr. Revis will inquire about your medical history, prior procedures, medications, allergies, and your motivations for seeking plastic surgery. It is very important that you be thorough when providing your medical history, as this information helps to prevent complications during your care. When asked about medications, be sure to include any vitamin or herbal preparations, as these can affect your blood pressure and clotting ability. Honesty regarding your use of tobacco and alcohol is also very important, as these may have a profound impact on your recovery period and your ability to heal following your procedure.

After reviewing your medical history, Dr. Revis will discuss your concerns, priorities and motivations for pursuing plastic surgery, as well as your fears. After examining you, Dr. Revis will be able to offer advice and options to help you achieve the appearance you desire. He will explain the advantages and disadvantages of the different options you have before you. 

At the completion of your consultation, Suzanne, our Patient Coordinator, will give you a written estimate of the cost of your procedure. At this time, you will also have the option to schedule your procedure if you so choose. The decision to undergo treatment is a very important one, and the final decision should be given very careful consideration. Dr. Revis realizes the importance of this decision, and at no time will you be pressured to make a decision. You are also encouraged to bring your spouse, significant other, family member, or a friend to your consultation.

Where Your Procedure Will Be Performed

Fat injections are usually performed in Dr. Revis' office, unless other procedures are being performed simultaneously.

Type(s) of Anesthesia

Anesthesia is an essential part of any procedure and must be performed safely. For fat injections, you will receive a small injection of local anesthetic to numb the area to be treated and the area from which the fat will be harvested.

Details of the Procedure

Dr. Revis injects the area from which the fat is to be harvested with a dilute solution of local anesthetic so that you will not feel the procedure. Using specialized instruments, he harvests the appropriate amount of fat, and then he prepares it for injection. This preparation involves purifying the fat by removing surface oils and red blood cells.

After the fat has been prepared, the area to be injected will be numbed with local anesthetics. Using a very small needle, the fat is then injected and layered to enhance survival. 

No bandages are necessary following fat injections, although it is recommended that you apply an ice pack to the treated areas to reduce swelling. You are able to apply makeup, a moisturizer, or sunscreen immediately following injection.

After Your Procedure

After your procedure you will be able to go home from the office. You should plan to take it easy following your surgery. No strenuous activities, heavy lifting (over 20 pounds), aerobic exercises, swimming, contact sports, tennis, or golf should be planned for the first two days. As Dr. Revis monitors your recovery, he will advise you when it is safe to resume specific activities.

The Results You Can Expect

You will notice an improvement in the contour of your face immediately. A very mild swelling usually takes several days to subside. You should be able to resume your normal daily activities the day after your procedure, and you should be able to resume all of your physical activities within several days of your procedure.

Please call (954) 630-2009 for further information or email Dr. Revis.

Email: DrRevis@SouthFloridaPlasticSurgery.com