Fat Grafting: A Natural and Effective Cosmetic Alternative to Restoring Volume Loss

Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, is a cosmetic surgical procedure where fat is removed from one area of the body and injected into another. For many years, fat grafting has been used in plastic reconstructive and cosmetic surgery to correct defects caused by trauma and to restore volume to create a more youthful appearance. With fat grafting, the surgeon removes unwanted fat from one part of the body, such as the lower abdomen, flanks, upper arm and/or thighs, and injects the fat cells into areas where volume loss has occurred. In today's advanced cosmetic surgery practices, this procedure is being offered to enhance areas such as the face, hands, breasts and/or buttocks.

41-year-old female before and after skin resurfacing and facial rejuvenation. Photo on the right is 3 weeks following fat transfer to the cheeks, under the eyes and the lips. Patient also received fractional CO2 laser resurfacing to the entire face.

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), fat grafting has a history of safety and efficacy and is proven to offer a more youthful and longer lasting appearance when used as an cosmetic surgical alternative to artificial fillers. Combine that history with the fact that in 2014 alone, Americans spent more than $12 billion on cosmetic procedures, with liposuction being ranked as the top procedure. It's no surprise that leading surgeons are gaining advanced skill-sets in order to be able to put a patient's fat to good use, once removed.

The use of fillers such as Botox, Juvederm, and others for the treatment of volume loss is widely common says Dr. Carey Nease, a triple board-certified cosmetic and facial plastic surgeon with Chattanooga's Southern Surgical Arts. He went on to explain that while those are proven treatments, "no two patients are the same, nor their individual goals, needs or budget." For some patients fat grafting for increased volume in the face is a viable, even superior, alternative. Nease emphasizes that knowledge of the procedure does require a higher-level of skill training, an investment of time and money on the part of the surgeon; yet, the value it offers the patient is undeniable. "Many of our patients want increase in volume in specific areas, such as the face - cheekbones, forehead, lips - and volume reduction in other common trouble-spots," he added. "When these patients learn about the process of fat grafting, they're excited to know that with this procedure they have a natural and longer-lasting alternative, with only a slightly larger investment, and still with little or no downtime."

Dr. Deal and Dr. Nease are both fellowship trained and Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeons. Dr. Nease also holds a board certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Combined, Dr. Deal and Dr. Nease have more than 15 years of experience. Their practice at Southern Surgical Arts is 100% committed, focused, dedicated to cosmetic and facial plastic surgery. Since 2004, they have performed more than 11,500 major cosmetic procedures.

Dr. Nease and his partner, Dr. Chad Deal, a double board-certified cosmetic surgeon, recently hosted Chattanooga's first-ever live surgery training event on the topic of fat grafting, hosting more than 20 surgeons from around the globe, in partnership with the AACS. Dr. Deal, who is highly-specialized in the area of fat grafting and body sculpting, says that fat grafting is not a "new" option for his patients. In fact, it is a procedure regularly performed in his surgical practice, helping his patients achieve optimal results. "If a patient wants to have excess abdominal fat removed, and desires subtle and natural volume increase in other areas, fat grafting is and has been an effective solution," he said. Deal added that his goal is to provide beautiful results in his surgical work, and to exceed patient expectations in each and every case. He stresses that the true test of a surgeon's skill is whether optimal results are evident "while patients are still on the operating table." Sound unreasonable? Not at all, claims Deal. "When an artist finishes a sculpture, the beauty and detail of his work is immediately apparent. In cosmetic surgery, it's no different. The desired aesthetic outcome should be readily evident post-op," explains Deal. Over time, with reduction in swelling and necessary recovery, ideal results become evident within 6 months.

The fact that fat transfer offers youthful and longer-lasting results is really no mystery. It's long been known that the body is more naturally receptive to its own tissue, versus a foreign or synthetic substance. What is important to know about fat is that it is not a replacement for fillers, toxins, or other good surgical techniques. Rather, it is one option that can help meet a patient's overall aesthetic goals, and in many cases, it is the best option. For prospective patients, it's important to find a surgeon who has been trained specifically in the technique of fat grafting and is up-to-date on the latest gold standards in surgical techniques.

"It amazes me that patients are just now hearing of the benefits of fat transfer," says Deal. He recounts the story of one of his patients living with an external thigh indention from an accident for approximately 20 years. "She never knew she had options to correct the indention, and thought she would live with the results of her injury forever. Now she is wearing shorts in public for the first time in many years."

Noteworthy:

Common uses for cosmetic fat grafting:

- Correction of deformities

- Rejuvenation of the face and hands

- Natural augmentation for the breast and buttocks

- Permanent improvement in the appearance of cellulite

- Youthful restoration of female genitalia