Fat Transfer in Albuquerque, NM

As someone gains, then loses weight or moves through the normal aging process, they lose shape and fullness in various body parts where volume was once plentiful. A new way to restore this lost volume is through an aesthetic procedure known as a fat transfer. This treatment takes fat from a section on the body and reinstates it into a specific place that could use additional volume. Fat transfer procedures can be performed on widespread areas, such as the buttocks or breasts or on delicate areas, such as the lower eyelids, cheeks, or lips. Fat grafting and transfers are generally chosen when an individual desires a natural enhancement versus having fillers or implants. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Miguel Gallegos incorporates the most advanced methods for performing fat transfers at his Albuquerque, NM practice. This body contouring treatment at Hermosa Plastic Surgery creates smooth and beautiful outcomes for many patients with a range of concerns and goals.

Men and women who desire more fullness of the body or face in areas that appear depleted of natural fullness may be great candidates for the fat grafting (transfer) procedure. This procedure is even more desired because it provides an autologous (self-donated) way to produce results by using the patient's own fat tissue. With this method, there is less risk or concern for rejection. Men and women who visit Hermosa Plastic Surgery considering this procedure must be at a certain weight and have available fat to extract for the transfer.

Here at Hermosa Plastic Surgery, our patients who receive fat transfer procedures enjoy a number of benefits, including:

• Low risk of rejection or infection, as your own body's cells are used for treatment
• Less invasion than other, more traditional procedures, such as liposuction
• Potential for touch-ups that allow you to achieve your ideal look in a short amount of time
• Little downtime and a fast recovery, allowing you to return to your busy lifestyle

During this procedure, you will be put under anesthesia. The type of sedation or numbing medication used will depend on how much fat tissue is being extracted and the area where it will be placed. A form of liposuction is first performed using a thin, special cannula to carefully extract the fat so it can be purified and harvested inside a centrifuge, a machine that prepares the viable fat for syringes. After prepping the injection site, the healthy fat tissue will be transferred into the area that needs volume. The injection process is completed in layers until the desired outcome has been attained. For certain body parts, numerous injections will be needed.

Following this procedure, you will enter a healing phase. It is important to keep in mind that there are two different areas on the body that require healing: the extraction area and injection location. The recovery process may last longer if a larger section on the body was addressed. As an example, a fat transfer for lip enhancement will typically only require a 1 – 2-day healing period, whereas a transfer to a more widespread area, such as the butt or breasts, can take much longer. Each area will appear red and slightly swollen, but the outcomes can be noticed almost immediately. An additional bonus to the procedure is that the area where fat was extracted will look slimmer. A fat transfer yields great outcomes, but there will be some fat that reabsorbs back to the body. In some patients, a future transfer may be necessary later on. There is almost no scarring that is noticeable from this treatment.

How much does a fat transfer cost?
Your cost for a fat transfer will vary based on several factors. In fat transfers to the butt or breasts, a larger amount of fat is required. Because of this, surgical liposuction is typically performed, which means that a lengthier process will be involved as the fat is purified and then grafted where it is needed. Smaller fat transfers, like those to the face and hands, require less time and fat in comparison. The amount of volume required to achieve your needs and goals will be explained during your initial consultation with Dr. Gallegos along with estimates of cost and payment methods we accept.

Where can I have fat transferred?
A fat transfer can be performed on most areas of your body or face where you desire to add volume. A few of the most popular areas are the butt (typically called the Brazilian butt lift), face, breasts, and hands. Fat grafting might be performed with breast reconstruction or augmentation with implants to fix any bumps or flaws. Volume loss caused by aging in the hands and face may also be improved with fat grafting, especially to add shape to your lips or in the hollow areas underneath your eyes. During your initial consultation, tell Dr. Gallegos where you want to make improvements so he can develop your personalized fat transfer plan.

How long will the results of a fat transfer last?
Fat transfers create natural-looking results that can be long-lasting with proper care. Dr. Gallegos employs advanced methods to graft fat, which limit reabsorption. However, there is generally a certain amount of fat that doesn't graft to the new area so Dr. Gallegos often transfers a little more fat than what is necessary to account for this. If you would like to touch-up or enhance your appearance after a while, another fat transfer procedure can be scheduled.

Are there any alternative treatments to a fat transfer?
Based on the area that requires fat, you may have an alternate option to a fat graft. In your buttocks and breasts, augmentation surgery with an implant may be performed rather than a fat transfer. With your hands and face, Hermosa Plastic Surgery offers several injectable fillers for long-term rejuvenation and volume. Dr. Gallegos will explain all of your choices in your initial consultation so you can achieve the results that meet your cosmetic goals.

What if I don't have enough fat for a transfer?
During your initial consultation with Dr. Gallegos, he will discuss the amount of fat that is required to meet your goals. You might not have enough fat to transfer; however, this is usually only an issue if you want a larger volume of fat transferred or if you have a very low body fat percentage. Fat may be taken from several areas or combined with donor fat. Dr. Gallegos will explain your choices during this initial appointment.

If you wish to attain more voluptuous lips or fill in lines and wrinkles, this procedure may be a great option. Moreover, a fat transfer is an outstanding and low-risk option for the body, such as in the breasts and buttocks. This treatment offers many alternatives for enhancement, and it can help you to achieve the look you desire without pursuing a major surgery that could require longer recovery time. We welcome you to call our front desk team to make your consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gallegos at Hermosa Plastic Surgery.