Fat Transfer
In addition to synthetic injectable fillers and BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dr. Benedetti also offers fat transfer to fill in wrinkles, hollows, acne scars, and other skin imperfections. In addition, Dr. Benedetti utilizes fat transfers to add youthful volume to faces of older patients undergoing facial rejuvenation surgery, such as facelift, minimally invasive endoscopic brow lift, or eyelid surgery. Fat transfer has the benefit of using the patient's own tissue, meaning that no allergy tests are needed and you should not experience any adverse reactions following the procedure.
While some of the injected fat cells will be reabsorbed by the body after this procedure, many will be left behind in the treatment area, some permanently. Fat transfer is a proven treatment for a wide range of individuals seeking a safe medical spa treatment that can achieve long-term improvement.
At Benedetti Cosmetic Surgery, we focus on Tampa / St. Petersburg cosmetic surgery and medical spa procedures that deliver real results. Our patients enjoy the convenience of minimally-invasive treatments to help them look their best. To find out more about fat transfer request a consultation today or call our office at 727-289-7119.
Fat Transfer in our Tampa Cosmetic Surgery Office
This procedure, also known as autologous fat transplantation or fat grafting, is an ideal treatment to plump deeper layers of tissue. It is also a good choice when larger-volume facial filling is required. Injected fat is slowly reabsorbed by the body, though the actual rate of absorption will vary from person to person and is difficult to predict prior to treatment. Though over half of the fat is reabsorbed within 6 to 12 months for most patients, a certain portion of the fat cells will remain permanently, and repeat treatments can provide additional enhancement.
The fat transfer procedure can be used to:
- Enhance lips by adding volume and softening lines
- Reduce wrinkles and lines such as nasolabial folds
- Plump the hollow appearance of cheeks or the area around the eyes
- Provide definition in the chin
- Correct facial deformities
How Fat Transfer Works
To begin the procedure, Tampa plastic surgeon Dr. Jeremy Benedetti removes some of the patient's own fat tissue from a donor area such as the abdomen or upper portion of the hip via liposuction. He then purifies these fat cells before re-injecting them into the treatment area. Small amounts of fat can be collected and transferred using only local anesthesia at both the donor and treatment sites, while general anesthesia may be needed if larger volumes of fat are being removed. Some swelling and bruising may occur for a few days after treatment, and any discomfort is easily controlled with medication.
Recovery after Fat Transfer
Most patients enjoy a quick recovery with only minor discomfort. Patients may have swelling and bruising for 7 to 14 days after treatment, which may occur both at the donor and treatment sites. Generally, Dr. Benedetti's fat transfer patients from the Tampa / St. Petersburg area take a few days off from work, and he instructs patients to limit vigorous activities for at least 2 weeks. If you have a particular concern about recovery, be sure to talk that through with Dr. Benedetti during your consultation.
The Next Step
If you are interested in learning more about fat transfer or any of the other convenient medical spa services offered in our Tampa cosmetic surgery office, request a consultation online for a consultation or call our office at 727-289-7119.
