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    Fat Transfer

    Take the Natural Approach

    Conveniently located to serve the areas of Santa Rosa and Sonoma County, CA.

    When a man or woman has weight fluctuations or moves through the normal aging process, they lose natural roundness and shape in specific body areas where volume once resided.

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    If you are looking to get more voluptuous lips or want to soften hollow areas or lines, this procedure may be a great option. Furthermore, a fat transfer is an outstanding option for the buttocks or breasts. This treatment offers many choices for adding volume and fullness. This treatment can help you achieve the look you wish for without choosing to undergo a major surgery that might require a long recovery. We welcome you to get in touch with our staff to make your consultation at Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa.

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    Fat Transfer at a Glance

    • Procedure: Uses your own fat to enhance volume in desired areas
    • Benefits: Natural-looking results, dual contouring effect
    • Downtime: Varies depending on the treatment area, typically 1-2 weeks
    • Duration: Long-lasting results with proper care
    • Candidacy: Ideal for those with adequate fat deposits and realistic expectations
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    About Fat Transfer

    What is a fat transfer?

    Fat transfer is an advanced cosmetic technique that terrifically restores the volume that has been lost. A fat transfer extracts fat from a place on the body and injects it into a specific place that could benefit from additional volume. Fat transfer procedures in Northern California can be performed on widespread areas, such as the breasts, or on more delicate and smaller areas, such as the laugh lines, lips, cheeks, or under the eyelids.

    Fat transfers are often chosen when an individual hopes to have a natural enhancement rather than using a device, such as an implant, or a substance, such as a filler. Seasoned plastic surgeons Dr. Francisco Canales, Dr. Heather Furnas, and Dr. Eric Culbertson are skilled at using the most advanced liposuction and grafting methods for performing fat transfers. This cosmetic enhancement at Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa creates appealing, natural-looking outcomes. Call our office in Santa Rosa, California to learn more.

    Fat Transfer Plastic Surgery Associates Dr. Francisco Canales, Dr. Heather Furnas, and Dr. Eric Culbertson

    What to Expect

    Fat Transfer Recovery

    Here’s what to expect when you undergo a fat transfer in Northern California.

    AFTER THE TREATMENT

    After the transfer process has been completed, you will begin a healing phase. Remember, there are two different areas on the body that need to be carefully treated: the area involving liposuction and the injection sites. The recovery process may be longer if a larger place on the body was addressed. As an example, a fat transfer for lip augmentation will typically only warrant a 1 – 2 day healing period, whereas a transfer to a more vast body part, such as the butt or breasts, can take many more days.

    RECOVERY

    Each area will appear swollen with some possible bruising, but the outcomes can be noticed almost immediately. Another perk is the area where liposuction was used may look slimmer although that is not the true purpose of the procedure. Fat grafting yields beautiful and lasting outcomes, but there will be some fat that reabsorbs back into the body. In some patients, another transfer may be necessary later on. There is almost no scarring that is noticeable with this treatment.

    How It Works — SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

    What is the fat transfer procedure like?

    A fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is a volumizing treatment that extracts excess fat from one area of your body and injects it into another area for a plumper appearance. Unlike implants that can ripple, shift, or burst, a fat transfer procedure enhances volume without synthetics. The well-tolerated treatment harnesses the power of your own fat by repurposing it to help you achieve a curvier body.

    When undergoing a fat transfer, you will be put under the appropriate kind of anesthesia.

    The type of anesthesia or numbing method will depend on how much fat tissue is being taken out, including the area where it will be placed. A form of liposuction is completed using a special cannula to precisely extract the fat so it can be harvested and separated inside a centrifuge (which preps the highest quality fat for syringes). After prepping the injection site, the extracted fat will be transferred into the area chosen for the transfer. The process of injecting is completed in layers until the desired outcome has been attained. For some areas, numerous injections will be necessary.

    At Plastic Surgery Associates, we have several decades of experience with transformative body sculpting treatments designed to balance your proportions and help you feel more comfortable in your skin. Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Francisco Canales, Dr. Heather Furnas, and Dr. Eric Culbertson

    can perform a fat transfer and liposuction to strategically sculpt your figure for a curvier look.

    To learn more about how our fat transfer treatments can help you meet your aesthetic goals, Contact our office in Santa Rosa or call (707) 537-2111 to get started.

    Reshape Your Body Naturally with Fat Transfer

    What conditions does fat transfer address?

    Fat transfer can address several aesthetic concerns:

    • Volume loss in the face due to aging
    • Thin or flat lips
    • Hollow cheeks or under-eye areas
    • Lack of volume in the breasts or buttocks
    • Visible signs of aging on hands
    • Body contouring irregularities
    • Scars or depressions in the skin

    Rejuvenate & Enhance

    What areas of the body can fat transfer address?

    Fat transfer can enhance various areas of the body, including the face, breasts, buttocks, hands, and areas with depressions or irregularities. It's a versatile procedure that can be tailored to your specific needs. Learn more about fat transfers in Santa Rosa, California by scheduling a consultation today.

    Unlock Natural Enhancement

    What are the benefits of fat transfer?

    • Natural-looking results: Uses your own fat for authentic enhancement
    • Dual contouring effect: Improves both donor and recipient areas
    • Minimally invasive: Less scarring compared to traditional implants
    • Versatile application: Can be used on various body areas
    • Long-lasting results: Fat cells can integrate permanently
    • Reduced risk of allergic reactions: Uses your own tissue
    • Customizable: Tailored to your unique body shape and aesthetic goals
    • Improved skin quality: Can enhance skin texture in the treated area

    Experience the Artistry of Fat Transfer

    Who are the ideal candidates for fat transfer?

    Here’s a look at who is an ideal candidate for fat transfers in Northern California. Men and women who wish to have more smoothness and volume in specific places on the face or body that appear flat may be appropriate candidates for a fat transfer.

    This specialized enhancement is even more desired because it provides an autologous way to produce results by incorporating the patient’s fat tissue. By doing this, there is less risk or concern for rejection. Both women and men at Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa considering this procedure need to be at a certain weight and have fat to extract for the transfer.

    Natural Enhancement Begins Here

    Fat Transfer Results

    You'll notice immediate results after your fat transfer procedure, but it's important to understand that some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by your body in the first few months. The final results typically stabilize around 3-6 months post-procedure.

    The longevity of your results depends on factors such as the treatment area, your body's response, and your lifestyle. With proper care and maintenance of a stable weight, fat transfer results can last for many years, often providing a permanent enhancement.You can expect:

    • Natural-looking volume enhancement
    • Improved contours in both donor and recipient areas
    • Smoother, more youthful appearance (especially for facial treatments)
    • Long-lasting results that age naturally with your body

    To maintain optimal results, follow your surgeon's post-procedure instructions carefully and maintain a healthy lifestyle. If needed, touch-up treatments can be performed to further enhance or maintain your results over time.

    "The results have been huge for my self-esteem and my self-image. I can now move my body in ways I couldn’t before with the loose skin I had after my weight loss. I love my body now. I love myself. Before I’d wear baggy clothes, and now I wear clothes that fit. For the first time in 20 years, I have a flat stomach. I’m so proud of the results. I do yoga, and my recovery was so easy, nothing like what I was expecting."

    Testimonials

    "Truly an amazing experience! Dr. Culbertson and all the staff have been very friendly and incredibly helpful in making sure I was guided every step of the way through my procedure. I’m incredibly happy with the results of my surgery and the process as a whole. Thank you!!"

    -D.F.

    "As someone who is very nervous about any cosmetic procedures, I have to say: PSA’s medspa has been the best experience! The staff doesn’t push or try to influence your decision, they’re knowledgeable, friendly and listen to what you want. I’d recommend over and over!"

    - M.M.

    "I have been coming to Allegro Med Spa since 2018. I get lip filler as well as chemical peels and hydro facials. Not only do their services make you feel confident and fresh, but the staff is always welcoming, kind, and professional. I have been to other med spas I’m the past, but none compare to Allegro!"

    - A.B.

    "As someone who is very nervous about any cosmetic procedures, I have to say: PSA’s medspa has been the best experience! The staff doesn’t push or try to influence your decision, they’re knowledgeable, friendly and listen to what you want. I’d recommend over and over!"

    - M.M.

    Fat Transfer

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Fat transfer prices will vary based on many factors. In fat transfers to the breasts or butt, a larger amount of fat is required so surgical liposuction is used, which means a lengthier process is employed for fat purification and then grafted where needed. Smaller fat transfers, like those to the face and hands, require less time and fat. The amount of volume required to achieve your needs and goals will be reviewed in your initial consultation with Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson, along with estimates of cost and payment methods we accept.

    A fat transfer can be performed on most areas of your body or face where you want to add shape or rejuvenate your skin. A few of the most popular areas are the butt (typically called the Brazilian butt lift), breasts, hands, and face. Fat grafting might be performed with breast reconstruction or augmentation with implants to minimize imperfections. Volume loss caused by aging in the hands and face may also be improved with fat grafting, especially to add shape to your lips or in the hollow under your eyes. Tell Dr. Francisco Canales, Dr. Heather Furnas, and Dr. Eric Culbertson in your initial consultation where you want to make improvements so they can develop your personal fat transfer plan.

    The results of a fat transfer will look natural and can be long-lasting with proper care. Dr. Francisco Canales, Dr. Heather Furnas, and Dr. Eric Culbertson employ advanced methods to graft fat, which limits reabsorption. Although there is generally a certain amount of fat that doesn’t graft to the new area, we often transfer a little more fat. If you would like to touch-up or enhance your appearance after a while, another fat transfer can be discussed.

    Based on the area where you want to increase fat, you may have an alternate option to a fat graft. In your breasts or butt, implants may be surgically placed rather than a fat transfer. In your hand and face, Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa offers multiple injectable dermal fillers for long-term volume and rejuvenation. Dr. Francisco Canales, Dr. Heather Furnas, and Dr. Eric Culbertson will explain all of your choices in your first appointment so you can see the results that meet your goals.

    At your first appointment, we will explain the amount of fat that is required to meet your goals. You might not have enough fat to transfer; however, this is usually only a concern if you want a large volume of fat transferred or you have a very low body fat percentage. Fat may be taken from several areas or combined with donor fat. We will explain your choices in this appointment.

    If you are looking for a treatment to restore the volume of your face, buttocks, and breasts without synthetic injectables or implants, a fat transfer can help you achieve your goals. By repurposing your fat, you can enjoy fewer risks and complications. The treatment also provides a natural look and feel. Using your fat to enhance your figure also eliminates the risk of an allergic reaction or side effects from synthetics. With a fat transfer, we can reduce the appearance of:

    • Hollow cheeks
    • Wrinkles
    • Facial aging
    • Nasolabial folds
    • Sunken under-eyes
    • Lip lines
    • A droopy jawline
    • Droopy buttocks
    • Small breasts
    • Burn injuries (1)

    Subcutaneous fat, a protective layer of stubborn fat beneath your skin, is especially difficult for your body to break down. Age-related metabolic changes can make it harder to eliminate it with diet and exercise. To extract excess subcutaneous fat for a fat transfer, we will perform liposuction

    – a body contouring procedure that extracts the excess fat (adipose) cells with gentle suction to preserve the surrounding tissue. After removing the fat, we can purify it in a centrifuge and inject it into another area of your body to sculpt your figure for a slender, curvier physique.

    Breast Augmentation

    Breast augmentation increases the volume of your breasts for a fuller, plumper figure because natural fat creates a more natural, voluptuous shape. A fat transfer provides a natural enhancement to increase cup size, improve proportions, and reshape the breasts. During the procedure, your surgeon will make discrete incisions around the areola or along the natural curve of your breast to place the fat and position the implant for your desired look.

    Facial Fat Grafting

    We can perform a facial fat transfer to restore volume if you have lost it from aging or weight changes. After a fat transfer, you can enjoy brighter under-eyes, smoother skin, plumper lips, and a more defined jaw. For a complete makeover, we can combine fat grafting with a facelift to reduce sagging skin for a smoother, younger look. During a facelift, your surgeon will make a delicate incision along the hairline to remove excess skin. Your surgeon may also tighten the SMAS– a layer of connective tissue beneath your skin that atrophies with age– or increase the volume of your chin for a sharper facial profile. To learn more, see our company blog.

    Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

    A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a procedure that sculpts the buttocks by increasing their volume with a fat transfer. During a BBL with a fat transfer, your surgeon makes a discrete incision along the thighs or waistline to sculpt the buttocks, lift them, and reshape them for a smoother appearance. We can also perform liposuction and fat transfer at this stage to emphasize your curves and improve your body proportions.

    References

    1. Shauly O, Gould DJ, Ghavami A. Fat Grafting: Basic Science, Techniques, and Patient Management. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2022;10(3):e3987. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000003987
    2. Shih L, Davis MJ, Winocour SJ. The Science of Fat Grafting. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2020;34(01):005-010. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0039-3402073

    Interested to find out which treatment is right for you?