How Long Does Fat Transfer Take to Settle?
Have you ever wished you could take fat from one area of your body where you don’t necessarily want it and use that fat to fill out other features? It sounds too good to be true, but your wish can become a reality with a Chicago fat transfer.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Florence Mussat offers autologous fat transfer, more commonly known as fat transfer or fat grafting, as a safe way to sculpt areas of your body and use that extracted fat to enhance other areas of your body or face. Read on to learn more about what to expect from a fat transfer with Dr. Mussat, including how long it will take for the newly transferred fat to settle so you can show off your beautiful new look.
Are you interested in Fat Transfer Surgery? Learn more about fat transfers or schedule your consultation by contacting us online or calling (312) 751-9000 today.
How Is Fat Transfer Performed?
A fat transfer is generally performed under local anesthesia for the donor and injection sites. Once the donor site is thoroughly numb, Dr. Mussat will create small incisions and use liposuction to extract the unwanted fat from the area. The fat will then undergo a purification process where it’s cleansed and prepared for injection into the secondary location. Finally, using a method similar to Botox® or dermal filler injections, Dr. Muffat will inject the purified fat into the area you’d like to enhance.
Depending on the area being treated, an appointment can be completed in about an hour. Most procedures are outpatient, meaning you can go about your day with little discomfort or downtime. Most patients experience mild bruising and swelling in the donor and injection sites, which can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Dr. Mussat will schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure you’re healing well.
What Areas Can Be Treated with Fat Transfer?
Virtually anywhere on the body where you have stubborn, unwanted fat can be used as the donor site. Common areas to be injected include:
- Cheek hollows
- Frown lines
- Deep wrinkles
- Areas with certain types of scarring
- Lips and areas around the mouth
- Under the eyes
How Long Does the Donor Fat Take to Settle?
Patients undergoing a fat transfer should keep in mind that it takes some time for the transferred fat cells to establish a healthy blood supply and settle into their new location. Additionally, a fraction of the fat cells will not survive the transfer, though Dr. Mussat considers this when deciding how much fat to include in the transfer.
On average, patients can expect to see their final results in about four to six weeks, at which time the majority of swelling will have resolved, and the fat cells will have settled into their new location. During a fat transfer recovery, it’s important to avoid putting pressure on the newly transferred cells, as this can prevent them from creating a healthy blood supply.
How Long Do Fat Transfer Results Last?
The final fat transfer results are considered permanent since the injectable solution is a natural part of your body compared to a foreign substance, such as Botox® or dermal fillers. The same is true for the donor site. Once the fat cells are removed, the body cannot create new fat cells to replace them, meaning the donor site will permanently have fewer fat cells in that area.
Learn More About Chicago Fat Transfer with Dr. Mussat
If you’re interested in a fat transfer procedure, it’s important to choose an experienced cosmetic plastic surgeon. Contouring delicate areas of the body involves artistry, skill, and extensive knowledge to ensure you receive the desired results.
If you have questions about whether a fat transfer procedure is right for you, or if you’d like to schedule your consultation, please contact Dr. Florence Mussat at (312) 751-9000 or by completing our convenient contact form today.