Fat Transfer

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.

Before and After Photos

About Fat Transfer

Learn more about fat transfers in Santa Rosa, California.

Fat transfer is an advanced cosmetic technique that terrifically restores 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 CanalesDr. Heather Furnas, and Dr. 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.

Ideal Candidates

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.

How It Works

Surgical Technique

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.

What to Expect

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.

FAQ

How much does a fat transfer cost?

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. CanalesDr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson, along with estimates of cost and payment methods we accept.

Where can I have fat transferred?

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. CanalesDr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson in your initial consultation where you want to make improvements so they can develop your personal fat transfer plan.

How long will the results of a fat transfer last?

The results of a fat transfer will look natural and can be long-lasting with proper care. Dr. CanalesDr. Furnas, or Dr. 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.

Are there any alternative treatments to a fat transfer?

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. CanalesDr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson will explain all of your choices in your first appointment so you can see the results that meet your goals.

What if I don’t have enough fat for a transfer?

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.

Schedule an Appointment

Take the natural approach

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 to 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.