Dermal & Fat Grafting

As we age, the loss of fullness in the face and body naturally occurs, causing wrinkles and a sunken appearance. This loss of facial fat can make people look older than they really are, which often diminishes their confidence and self-esteem. Instead of seeking invasive surgical procedures, many individuals are choosing fat transfer treatments.

Also known as “fat grafting”, this procedure harvests fat from one area of the body and injects into another to restore volume and youth that is naturally lost over the years. At his Mesa, Arizona practice, Dr. Karl Hiatt offers fat transfer for men and women of all ages.

The Ideal Candidate for Fat Transfer

The best candidates for fat transfer treatment are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcome of their procedure.

Fat transfers can noticeably improve the following conditions:

  • Deep facial creases
  • Sunken eyes
  • Sunken cheeks
  • Depressed scars
  • Buttocks

Other areas that respond to some degree include, breasts, hands and lips. During your initial consultation, Dr. Karl Hiatt will evaluate the condition of your face and body to determine if a fat transfer will be beneficial for you.

Fat Transfer Procedure

Before the procedure is carried out, local anesthesia will be administered to reduce any discomfort that may exist. Dr. Hiatt will make a small incision in an area where unwanted fat tissue exists (e.g., abdomen, thighs, buttocks) and remove some excess fat using a thin, hollow tube called a cannula. The harvested fat is purified and then strategically injected directly into the targeted area(s) using a blunt tipped fat injection needle. The small incisions are dressed with ointment and gauze.

Fat Transfer Recovery

Once a fat transfer is complete, ointment will be placed over the incisions. Ice may be applied to reduce any swelling or bruising that may exist during the first few days. Patients are usually happy to learn that there is no significant amount of downtime associated with this treatment, in general, patients are able to resume their normal routine immediately following the procedure.

It is important to follow Dr. Hiatt’s postoperative instructions to ensure the quickest and safest recovery possible.

Fat Transfer Results

Results from fat transfer are long lasting or even may be permanent. However, the body may absorb some of the reinjected fat cells, requiring repeat treatments for the best possible results.

Fat Transfer Risks

Like all procedures, there are certain risks associated with fat transfer. Although rare, fat transfer has the risk for the following complications:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Scarring
  • Irregularities
  • Asymmetry

Fat Transfer Costs

The total cost of a fat transfer procedure depends on the amount of fat harvested and the number of areas treated. This procedure is not covered by insurance since it is cosmetic in nature and considered to be an elective procedure.

If you wish to restore fullness and youth to your face and body, we welcome you to contact our Mesa, Arizona plastic surgery practice today by calling (480) 844-1410 or by filling out our online contact form today. Dr. Karl Hiatt is board certified in plastic surgery and has years of experience helping men and women achieve the looks they desire.