PROCEDURES

Tampa Fat Injections

Fat injections have gained a marked increase in popularity in recent years. Fat injections deliver results similar to the available soft tissue fillers, but the benefit is that the patient's own tissue is used.  Another advantage of using fat, is that trouble spots may be targeted to harvest the fat. Depending on how much fat is needed, an improvement of the contour of the trouble spots may be obtained. Furthermore, once the fat cells 'take', these results are permanent. The caveat is that because the fat cells are transplanted, a certain percentage of the cells do not survive. As a result, additional procedures may be required to achieve the desired volume and correction.

Reasons for considering Fat Injections in Tampa:

• Correction of deep and unattractive wrinkles
• Improvement of the appearance of thin and deflated lips
• Need for additional volume in the face and the correction of hollowing
• The improvement of contour irregularities in all areas of the body

The Fat Injection Procedure

There are two main stages in a fat transfer procedure. The first is the harvest of the fat cells. Here a discussion with Dr. Fakhre will help determine the volume of fat needed, as well as the ideal site for the harvest of the fat cells. Stubborn areas of fatty deposits are often selected and a special liposuction technique is used to carefully harvest the fat cells. These cells are then specially prepared for transfer.

The second stage of fat transfer involves the actual injection of the fat. Here the prepared fat cells are carefully injected into the desired treatment areas. Multiple passes are performed depositing the fat cells in small quantities in different depths. All the while careful attention is given to ensure that a smooth an even contour is maintained. The treatment area is often over corrected, in order to compensate for inevitable loss of a certain percentage of the transplanted fat cells.

Fat injections may be performed in Dr. Fakhre's office or in the operating room in conjunction with another procedure. The entire procedure usually lasts about an hour, but can be significantly longer, depending on the areas treated. Patients are able to go home following the procedure.

Recovery following Fat Injections

The downtime required following fat injection depends on the area treated, and the volume of fat used. The larger the treatment area and the greater the volume transferred, the with greater downtime. Swelling and bruising may occur following fat transfer, but most resolve within several days following treatment. Recovery time varies with the extent of the procedure, but as with any procedure, a restful week should be planned for after surgery without any strenuous activity.

The scars resulting from the liposuction incisions are permanent but are carefully placed so as to minimize visibility.  Pain following fat transfer is often very well managed with oral pain medications.  While complications are rare, they may occur. You will be given Dr. Fakhre's perioperative instructions which you should carefully read, as this will minimize your risk of complications. 

To find out if you'd be a good candidate for fat injections or fat transplantation in Tampa and Wesley Chapel, Florida, schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Fakhre, your New Tampa Plastic Surgeon, at  813-PLASTIC (752-7842).