Fat Transfer in Lubbock, TX

Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, redistributes fat from areas of the body that have too much into areas of the body that have too little. Dr. Schmid and Dr. Mooty of The Lubbock Plastic Surgery Institute perform fat transfers to enhance the face, breast, and butt. A fat transfer offers double benefits to patients who have excess body fat because they receive liposuction that will reduce fat from the area where it is unwanted and puts the fat in areas that the patient wants. This results in a smoother shape and better overall body contour. When the body lacks fat in certain areas, either naturally or from aging, it will often look older. While injectable fillers can provide a temporary solution, fat transfer offers longer-lasting results that have no risk of irritating or infecting the treated area. Patients in West Texas and East New Mexico who are interested in fat transfer to the body or face should schedule a consultation with Dr. Schmid or Dr. Mooty at their convenient offices in Lubbock and Midland.

During the consultation, the surgeon and patient will discuss what donor sites will be most suitable and desirable for fat removal. During surgery, fat is removed from the donor site using a cannula. The tissue will then be separated and purified so that only the healthy fat tissue remains for transplantation. The fat will be placed in a syringe and augmented into the transfer site. The surgeon will simultaneously massage the area so that the fat settles where needed to create a satisfactory smooth shape and contour. Multiple injections are usually needed.

A fat transfer is considered an outpatient procedure and is performed at an accredited surgical facility. In the majority of cases, especially where larger injection areas are concerned, general anesthesia will be used. For smaller areas, such as the lips, the surgeon will use a local anesthetic. After the procedure, the fat removal areas, as well as the injection sites, may be swollen and red. This will subside in a short time. This procedure continues to be popular among patients because it offers little risk and little downtime while delivering great results. 

When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, a fat transfer can result in an enhanced appearance that can last for years. While some of the fat will be reabsorbed back into the body, a skilled fat transfer expert will understand the proper mechanism behind creating a result that will last. There are new modern techniques available to help lengthen the life of the transferred fat cells. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an example of this. When added to the transferred fat, it can increase cell survival. This is a therapy that is still being studied.

A fat transfer typically results in long-lasting fullness. However, because a portion of the transferred fat will be reabsorbed into the body over time, some of the results may diminish. The good news is that this is a procedure that can be performed again very easily, resulting in additional body contouring and enhancement.

While fat transfers produce great results for many patients, there are other alternatives that some may consider. Luckily, the market for injectables is wide and diverse. An injection, such as BOTOX®, may produce the results some patients desire — especially where wrinkle correction is concerned. For patients desiring volume, there are countless filler products that offer many different choices and options. Some fillers, including collagen and hyaluronic acid, offer temporary outcomes while the heaviest of fillers, PMMA, offer lasting results.