Natural Volume Using Your Own Fat
Fat grafting uses a patient’s own fat to restore or add volume to areas of the body where additional fullness is desired. The procedure may be used for cosmetic purposes, breast asymmetry correction, or as part of breast reconstruction to help create a more natural appearance.
If you are considering fat grafting near Richmond, Dr. Nadia Blanchet can discuss whether this procedure may be appropriate for your individual goals and explain what you can expect from treatment.
What is Fat Grafting?
Fat grafting has become a standard procedure. Liposuction is performed (usually of the abdomen) and then that fat is concentrated, strained and gently rinsed and finally injected using a small, blunt-tip needle made specifically for fat grafting into an area of the body with a volume deficiency. This can be injected above or around an implant or in the skin of a mastectomy reconstruction to help the reconstruction look more natural. It can also be injected into an indented scar, the face (especially the cheeks and chin) or into radiated tissue to help release the tightness. It can also be used cosmetically for breast asymmetry correction.
For patients considering fat grafting near Richmond, the procedure may offer a versatile option for addressing areas where additional volume is needed while using fat from another area of the body.
What Happens After?
Fat grafting is not perfect. Some of the fat always takes, and some of the fat always re-absorbs, although almost always in a uniform manner. The range of graft survival is from about 40% to 70%. This is because each droplet of fat must have enough blood supply to live as a graft. Therefore, adding more fat to compensate for resorption makes the blood supply worse.
There are very few risks to fat grafting. The area which donates the fat will be bruised and tender for a few weeks. There is less than a 1% risk of infection. The main concern is the re-absorption rate which is unpredictable, although we know that smokers and patients with radiated tissue do not heal as well and resorb more.
Patients considering fat grafting near Richmond should also understand that individual healing and fat survival can vary. During your consultation, Dr. Blanchet can discuss the procedure and what may be realistic for your particular situation.
Smoking and Surgical Safety
Smokers heal poorly in terms of infection, implant lost and wound breakdown. You are advised not to smoke, vape, or use nicotine replacements for 6 weeks prior to and after your surgery. Nicotine screening may be necessary the day of your surgery. IF THE TEST IS POSITIVE, YOUR SURGERY WILL BE CANCELLED.
Discuss Fat Grafting With Dr. Blanchet
The best way to determine whether fat grafting is appropriate for you is through an individual consultation. Dr. Blanchet can discuss your goals, the area being treated, and what you can reasonably expect from the procedure.
If you are interested in fat grafting near Richmond, it will be a pleasure to discuss fat grafting with you. Please feel free to call my office with any questions you may have (804-320-8545).
Let’s Talk Through Your Options
Every patient’s journey is unique. During your consultation, we’ll take the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and create a plan that feels right for you. Schedule your consultation today.
Additional Information
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