Fat. It isn’t something that most people want to talk about or even think about. It is something that most people want to banish forever, and it can frequently be a source of embarrassment for some people. But, fat is showing up more and more in plastic surgery treatments and aesthetic procedures in the form of fat transfers. So why are fat procedures gaining in popularity, and are they the best way to perform every procedure?
What Is a Fat Transfer?
A fat transfer, also known as a fat graft, is when unwanted fat is taken from one body area through liposuction and is transferred to another body area of the same patient. Fat transfers can be used to enhance the breasts and the buttocks and can be used to replace lost facial volume or volume in any other body area. They can also be used in combination with conventional plastic surgery procedures to complement surgery.
Why Are Fat Transfers Increasing in Popularity?
Fat transfers are increasing in popularity because they are less invasive than traditional surgical procedures and require much less downtime than surgical procedures such as the face-lift and breast-implant augmentation. Fat transfers are also popular because, well, who doesn’t want to get rid of unwanted fat?
But, Fat Transfers Also Have Their Drawbacks
As impressive as fat transfers are, they also have their downside, too. For example, when fat is transferred, some of the fat cells die, which can cause lumpy or uneven results, depressions, scarring or cysts. Dead fat cells can also become hard and calcified, which can lead to problems during diagnostic imaging, including mammograms.
Another drawback of fat transfers is that they have their limits. This is especially important to note if you are considering natural breast augmentation. On average, fat transfers can only increase breast size by about one cup size. If you’re looking to go more than one cup size up, you may want to consider implant augmentation to increase your bust size instead.
Do you want to learn more about fat transfers and find out if they are right for you? Call Dr. Peterson today at 785-234-9000.
