How Long Do Fat Grafting Results Last?

Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, is a procedure that enhances a person’s appearance by taking fat from a specific part of the body and using it to add volume to another area. First, liposuction is used to remove the unwanted fat. Liposuction can be performed on almost any area of the body, including the thighs, hips, abdomen, back, arms, and neck. After the fat is purified by separating the individual fat cells from the tissue suctioned, it is carefully injected into the desired areas.

This is a great procedure to fill hollows and improve wrinkles and fine lines for facial rejuvenation. It can also be used for breast enhancement and buttock augmentation. The injected fat adds volume to plump the skin for a more youthful appearance. The hourglass figure that so many women long for can be achieved as the right curves are created with the strategic removal and injection of fat. A recent press release about a study on butt augmentation with fat grafting revealed that 57 patients (98 percent of the participants) were “very satisfied” with their results. Fat is one of the best materials for soft tissue augmentation, and the results look very natural. People often wonder how long the enhancement will last, and most are very happy about the answer.

The results of fat grafting vary, but under the right circumstances this procedure can provide permanent enhancement. While injectable fillers are absorbed by the body over time and repeat treatments are necessary to preserve the results, fat grafting can be permanent because the transferred fat is a living substance. Some of the fat will be naturally absorbed by the body during the first six weeks after it is injected, but the fat that survives generally continues to exist just like other living tissue in the body. A small amount of fat may continue to resorb over the next six months, but this is not generally noticeable.

Fluctuations in weight can increase or decrease the amount of fat present, just as the fat volume would have varied in its original location. An experienced plastic surgeon will know how much fat to inject and what technique to use in order to prevent the fat cells from dying (fat necrosis).

If you would like to have unwanted fat removed from certain areas of your body and used to enhance other aspects of your appearance, Dr. Robert J. Spies can help you achieve your goal. Dr. Spies is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). He is board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery, has extensive skill and experience, and is a highly respected Arizona plastic surgeon. Please call (480) 890-0600 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule your consultation and start your journey to the new you!