BODY FAT GRAFTING

In many circumstances during our life (pregnancy, childbirth, weight loss, aging) our body changes in ways we would not like: some parts of our body store fat (stomach, waist, girth, thighs), while others empty from it (lips, cheekbones,breasts, buttocks). In recent years, Lipotransfer has been a very popular - minimally surgical - cosmetic procedure. Its success lies in the fact that it uses the person's own fat (liposuction) that is unwanted in some areas of the body to improve other areas (liposuction). The treatment allows the surgeon to literally sculpt the body, without the use of synthetic implants. The result is natural, immediate and offers a more youthful appearance, like that of the first decades of our lives.

Lipotransfer in the body

With the lipotransfer technique, the fat removed from one area is transplanted and integrated to another area.

Liposuction, the surgical technique of removing localized fat from the human body, has been known for decades. In the last five years, however, the versatile nature of adipose tissue has been understood, which has emerged as one of the most important tools of Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The ability to also relatively easily derive stem cells from adipose tissue gives new dimensions to regenerative medicine.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

Lipotransfer aims to improve body contours and reverse aging by using excess fat. Before surgery, the areas to be treated are drawn on the body. Through very small incisions, and using a special cannula, the special liposuction solution is injected into the fatty tissue and tunnels are created. The detached fat cells are suctioned out of the body and then processed by centrifugation and fractionation. A homogeneous solution of fat cells is thus created, which is injected, with small syringes, in the appropriate places on the body. The success of the operation is greater, as the percentage of transplanted cells that survive increases.

WHO IS BODY FAT TRANSFER FOR?

Candidates for body fat transfer are all adult patients who wish to transfer fat to the face and neck, to their breasts (augmentation without inserts or symmetrization due to anisomastia, tubular breasts, previous cosmetic or oncological surgery), buttocks or legs. Patients should have stabilized their body weight, have a normal BMI (body mass index) and have no other serious health problems. This operation is easily combined with those operations in which small-scale liposuction is performed: thighplasty, brachioplasty and abdominoplasty.

WHAT IS THE TYPE OF ANESTHESIA?

When lipotransfer is planned on a small scale, the patient can receive local anesthesia in the office. Otherwise, the operation is performed under general anesthesia or intoxication in an organized clinic. The duration of the surgery depends on the areas being treated. After surgery, it is advisable to stay in the clinic for a few hours and immediately mobilize the patients.

WHAT WILL THE SCARS LOOK LIKE AFTER THE SURGERY?

The wounds created during the surgery are very small and we often close them with a suture. By extension, the scars that are created are extremely small and often after some time are not visible to the naked eye.

HOW LONG WILL THE RESULTATS LAST?

Immediately after the surgery, swelling occurs which gradually disappears in the first weeks. Also, about 50% of the fat that is transported survives. The image stabilizes at 6 weeks and after this time the result is considered permanent and will remain stable as long as patients do not increase or decrease their body weight too much. The distribution of fat after lipotransfer also takes place in the newly created fat depots.

WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF LIPOSUCTION?

No skin is removed during liposuction, so old stretch marks and scars remain. In order to perform lipotransfer, pre-existing relaxation in the skin that will accept the fat underneath is required. Patients with autoimmune diseases and especially diseases of the connective tissue, immunosuppressed and cancer patients undergoing treatment need proper and close guidance.

The technique is not a slimming method and should only be recommended to patients who have had a stable weight for the last 6 months. Also, patients should be prepared for the fact that they may need to repeat the procedure until the desired result is achieved.

As in all cosmetic operations, in liposuction, patients with serious health problems, or those with a dysmorphic syndrome should be prevented from the surgery.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF LIPOSUCTION?

The doctor will evaluate your general condition and your history and, if he decides that you are suitable for surgery, he will inform you about the possible complications and what needs to be done to reduce the possibility of their occurrence. You will also be asked to stop smoking and refrain from using supplements that affect blood clotting. The anesthesiologist will then talk to you about the type of anesthesia you will receive and the possible complications.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO BEFORE SURGERY?

Depending on your age, you will be given instructions on the medications you may be taking and should be stopped or replaced, as well as on the additional testing that needs to be done based on your history. Your weight must remain stable, because possible fluctuations may delay the surgery, and you will be asked to exercise gently for two months before the surgery.

The doctor will explain the value of smoking cessation and proper nutrition in wound healing. One week before the surgery, measurements will be taken to order a special pressure garment, you will be photographed and the consent form will be signed.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY?

You stay at the clinic for a few hours, but your time away from work must have been calculated at 1 week. This doesn't mean you won't be able to do light work much sooner, but you'll generally feel overwhelmed. Abstaining from sports for 1 month is also recommended.

In the first days, a small amount of fluid drains from the wounds and ecchymoses (bruises) may develop around them. The pain when present is easily treated, but the swelling subsides slowly, so it will take 2-3 months to finalize the result.

WHAT IS THE COST OF LIPOTRANSFER?

The cost of liposuction is calculated by adding the cost of the clinic, in which the patient is operated and treated, the fee of the Plastic Surgeon and the Anesthesiologist.