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What is fat grafting?

Revitalizing your facial appearance can have a wonderful impact on your life, but not everyone has the time to undergo a surgical procedure. Fat grafting can achieve significant results, via a minimally-invasive technique that uses fatty tissue from your own body in order to restore volume and plumpness that may have been lost due to age or weight loss.

Fat grafting in Richmond, Northern Virginia with our team involves taking fat from parts of the body where there is a surplus (like the abdomen, back, thighs, or hips) and transferring to another area, where it’ll be better used, like the face, breasts, or buttocks, restoring lost volume.

While other procedures might use artificial implants or injections, our patients love fat grafting because in allows them to utilize their own natural fat as part of a two-in-one procedure — liposuction and rejuvenation.

What are the benefits of fat grafting?

  • Your own tissue is used instead of an implant
  • Fat is removed from an area you don’t want it, and your body is shaped and sculpted
  • Breasts enhanced with fat grafting have a soft, natural feel, the way breasts normally would
  • Restores facial volume
  • Very long-lasting results (20-50% of the transfer can be considered permanent)
  • Natural substitute for temporary fillers or artificial implants
  • Smooths wrinkles, lines and scars
  • Reduces the chance of allergic reactions
  • Less invasive, and less scarring (sometimes no scarring)
  • Creates a more curving, feminine physique when used on the breasts or buttocks
Woman sitting in bed with her hands raised above her head, smiling

Am I a candidate for fat grafting?

Candidates for fat grafting in Richmond would like a more natural, long-lasting approach to smoothing their skin, restoring lost volume, or enhancing their breasts and buttocks. Candidates should meet the following requirements:

  • Are generally in good health
  • Do not smoke
  • Have sufficient unwanted fat to be used for the procedure
  • Would like to increase 1-2 cup sizes and achieve a naturally larger breast appearance
  • Would like to enhance the roundness and shape of their buttocks
  • Would like to replace lost facial volume and smooth the skin

Breast Fat Grafting

We frequently encounter patients looking to add volume to their bust, and fat grafting is an excellent way to achieve these results. Fat grafting is ideal for women looking for a smaller increase in their breast size, with naturalistic results thanks to the use of the body’s own tissues, as opposed to an artificial implant.

Even better is that breast fat grafting eliminates the risk of allergic reactions or “rippling,” which can occasionally result from breast implants.

Woman smiling wearing a yellow sweater

If you’re looking for fuller, shapelier buttocks without looking like you’ve “had work done,” fat grafting is the choice for you. A fat transfer augmentation of the buttock area can address buttocks that have begun to appear flat or started to sag, transforming the appearance of the patient’s entire torso and legs as well.

Before & After

*Individual results may vary

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What can I Expect from Fat Grafting Results?

After the procedure, you’ll experience some swelling and bruising, with your results improving as the swelling decreases over the next few weeks.

Generally, the body will initially absorb some of the transferred fat; however, after this absorption, the fat that “takes” is essentially permanent.

Woman smirking, holding her chin

Fat Grafting Recovery

After fat grafting in Richmond, you can anticipate a comfortable recovery with minor discomfort, swelling, and bruising. However, these effects typically diminish within a few days to a week. Following your surgeon's instructions and avoiding strenuous activities will promote healing. Over time, the transferred fat will integrate naturally, revealing the desired outcome. Regular check-ups with your surgeon will ensure a smooth recovery process.

Fat Grafting FAQ

How much does fat grafting cost?

Fees for fat grafting will vary based on the precise areas treated, the extent of the work performed, and on whether other procedures are undergone in tandem. During your private consultation, we will provide a detailed quote for services.

What happens if my weight changes after my fat grafting procedure?

Once the fat cells are transferred, they function just like normal cells in their new location. Thus, if the patient loses or gains weight, the cells may grow or shrink accordingly. This is why it is important to maintain a stable weight before and after your procedure, avoiding fluctuations.

Are there any risks with fat grafting?

When performed by a qualified medical authority, fat grafting is considered a safe procedure. However, as with any cosmetic treatment, there are some inherent risks. These may include the following: Haematoma, fat necrosis, fat embolism, pneumothorax, poor scarring, blood clotting, bleeding, infection, and anesthesia risks.

Can I combine fat grafting with other procedures?

Yes, fat grafting can often be combined with other cosmetic procedures such as facelifts, breast augmentations, breast reconstructions, and Brazilian butt lifts, depending on individual goals and the recommendations of a qualified medical professional.

Learn More About Fat Grafting at LITTLE LIPO

Fat grafting is a favorite procedure of our patients, due to its long-lasting results, versatility, effectiveness, and the fact that it utilizes natural fat that the body already has.

However, in order for a fat grafting procedure to be a success with natural, safe, and attractive results, an extensive knowledge of facial anatomy and advanced grafting techniques is required. This is why it’s so important to find the right surgeon to perform this treatment.

Board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Burton Sundin and Dr. Reps Sundin have both the expertise and skill to perform advanced facial fat grafting procedures. With over 25 years of combined experience, they are caring and compassionate medical professionals who carry out a high standard of care and safety for their patients.

If you’re interested in fat grafting in the Richmond, Northern Virginia, Washington DC, & Charlottesville areas, please contact our team to learn more.

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