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Fat Grafting

Screenshot 2022-07-26 at 2.24.27 PM

WHAT IS FAT GRAFTING? 

Fat Grafting is a surgical procedure involving the removal of fat from one part of the body for transfer to another part of the body. It is also known as fat transfer.

This procedure is usually carried out in plastic surgery clinic to improve the appearance of the part of the body where the fat is to be deposited.  It is popularly regarded as a cosmetic procedure used to improve the shape or contour of parts of the body such as the cheeks, chin, nasolabial folds of the face, breasts, hips, and buttocks. In more recent times, it is also used as a therapeutic procedure to reconstruct body defects and heal wounds as well as scars. For example, it has been used medically to heal breast tissue after radiotherapy and can help to improve the shape of the breast following breast reconstruction surgery. 


PROCESS OF FAT GRAFTING IN SINGAPORE

Fat grafting involves three main processes. 

  1. Fat extraction 
  2. Fat processing or filtering 
  3. Fat reinjection 

1. FAT EXTRACTION 


The fat is removed from the "donor" areas using liposuction. Manual liposuction is used for small volume fat transfer, whilst power-assisted liposuction is used for larger volume harvest. Both involve the use of thin cannulae with smaller holes. Laser or ultrasonic types of liposuction are less commonly used for fear that fat cells may be destroyed in the harvesting process. 

fat_grafting_liposuction

2. FAT PROCESSING OR FILTERING 


After the fat has been extracted, it needs to undergo a few more processes to remove excess fluid, oil, debris, and dead cells that are liable to cause problems when reinjected or not survive. Such processes include gravity separation and centrifugation. Another way to process the fat is washing it with a sterile normal saline solution.

3. FAT REINJECTION 


Finally, the processed purified fat containing fat cells and fat-derived stem cells is reinjected in small droplets in multiple layers into the recipient area. It is done in small droplets to allow blood circulation to reach every droplet of fat to maximize fat graft survival. 

fat_grafting_process

 

TYPES OF FAT TRANSFER 

The types of fat grafting or fat transfer can be broadly categorized into three considerations and are differentiated based on:

  •  the volume of fat transfer that is to be transferred 
  • the part of the body that fat is to be transferred into
  • the amount of filtering or processing that the fat will have to pass through to achieve particular fat parcels sizes

The types of fat transfer are:

1. MACRO FAT TRANSFER 


Macro fat transfer involves the removal and deposition of larger parcels of harvested fat from one part of the body to another. The improvement sought in this type of fat transfer is mainly volumization to increase in size and simulate "a lift". This method is popularly used in the popular cosmetic procedure known as the Brazilian butt lift (BBL). It is also used in breast augmentation. 

2. MICRO FAT TRANSFER 


Micro fat transfer is a more intricate procedure involving smaller volumes of fat. It is typically used in cases where the patient wants more volume in finer areas, such as parts of their face, without the worry of lumpiness. Common sites for micro fat transfer include the lip, chin, or cheek augmentation, under-eye correction, etc.

3. NANO FAT TRANSFER 


Nano fat transfer is the most delicate type of fat transfer involving fat that has undergone the most filtration. It helps with slight volumization, improves the appearance of the skin, deals with fine lines and crow's feet, and helps with rejuvenation.



INDICATIONS OF FAT GRAFTING 

Fat grafting is a procedure that is sought after for cosmetic, reconstructive, and therapeutic reasons. Some of the reasons people opt for Fat grafting include:

  • Countering the natural ageing process
  • Breast contour defects and fibrosis
  • Asymmetry in breast shape and volume
  • Thin tissue covers the prosthesis in the breast, making it palpable or visible
  • Congenital defects such as Treacher Collins syndrome
  • Traumatic deformities such as ectropion
  • Acquired deformities such as scar revision

BENEFITS OF FAT GRAFTING 

Fat grafting can be a life-changing procedure for many people. Cosmetic procedures might only be skin deep to some people, but it makes a significant difference in the lives of others. The benefits of fat grafting include:

REMOVAL OF FAT FROM UNWANTED AREAS 

Fat grafting provides a unique opportunity to get rid of excess fat sitting in unwanted areas almost instantaneously through the harvesting process. The long-term game of dieting and exercise is all but eliminated with this procedure. It is probably the only way to lose fat in only one area of the body at a time. 

Fat grafting by utilizing your own harvested fat (through liposuction) can be used concurrently with liposuction or alone for filling in deficient areas of the body. Techniques are similar to fat grafting to the face and fat grafting to the breast.

Liposuction

LOW RISK OF ALLERGIC REACTION 

There is a lower risk of an allergic reaction or rejection because no foreign material is being used. Fat from the patient's own body is being used for the procedure. Therefore, allergic reactions during this procedure are rare.

NATURAL-LOOKING RESULTS 

Exaggerated features are a common fear of people considering plastic surgery for various reasons. With fat grafting, the results are natural-looking. No one will know you had any work done without being told.

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FAT GRAFTING POST-OPERATIVE CARE 

A patient who has gone through fat grafting will typically have to follow up with the following post-operative care:

  • Plenty of rest 
  • Use of pain medication except for aspirin or aspirin-containing medication. 
  • No alcohol for up to 3 weeks after stopping pain medication. This is because alcohol causes fluid retention.
  • Eating a balanced diet. More fruit and vegetables to promote bowel movement.
  • No smoking as it delays healing.
  • Start walking as soon as possible to reduce swelling 
  • No driving until pain medication is stopped 
  • A compression garment will be worn for up to 6 weeks at the site of fat extraction 
  • Limit sun exposure. If it cannot be avoided, use a sunscreen of at least SPF30. 

HOW POLARIS CAN HELP 

It is important to have this and other cosmetic procedures done at fully accredited facilities managed by fully licensed medical professionals. You want to ensure that you entrust your body to the best, capable hands. 

If you are considering going through fat grafting in Singapore, Polaris Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery is the clinic for you. 

Polaris is a patient-focused practice. It offers the best in modern aesthetic and reconstructive procedures tailored specifically to each patient. Also, Polaris has the most qualified plastic surgeons in its practice. These plastic surgeons have gone through thorough training for several years and are more than conversant with the best standards of patient care. They are also dependable and proficient in managing complications if any.

You can be sure of the highest quality and standard of patient care and safety measures at Polaris Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 

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