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Fat Grafting

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What Is Fat Grafting?

In Glen Carbon, Illinois, Dr. Ryan Diederich uses fat grafting, also called fat transfer, to reshape and contour the face, breasts, and body. At MidAmerica Plastic Surgery, Dr. Diederich discusses all options available and creates a surgical plan to fit the individual goals and anatomy of each fat grafting patient from Maryville, Edwardsville, and the St. Louis area.

Areas the fat can be taken from include:

• Arms
• Abdomen
• Back
• Flanks
• Thighs

Areas the fat can be transferred to include:

• Face (cheeks, under eyes, lips, etc)
• Breasts
• Hips
• Buttocks

How is Fat Grafting completed?

During the procedure, Dr. Diederich performs liposuction to target areas of the body to minimize fullness. The fat removed during the liposuction is then processed and injected into different areas of the body to reach the patient’s goals.

Recovery

In the areas where fat is taken from (liposuction), patients should wear compression garments for 23 hours a day for the first 6 weeks after the procedure. This will help reduce swelling and improve contour. The areas fat was transferred to should remain compression free for at least 6 weeks to help aid the fat survival.

How long for results?

Your results will slowly become apparent as the swelling and fluid retention reside. This could take several months or up to one year for swelling to fully resolve. The fat cells will be permanently moved; however, the size of each fat cell may respond to diet and exercise as normal.

Complications Regarding Fat Grafting

As with any procedure, there are risks. Fortunately, with Fat Grafting, these risks are minimal. These include but are not limited to:

• Uneven contours
• Rippling or loose skin
• Skin or nerve damage
• Irregular pigmentation
• Infection
• Fat clots
• Blood clots
• Excessive fluid loss or fluid accumulation
• Unfavorable scarring
• Thermal burn or heat injury from ultrasound with the ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty technique
• Anesthesia risks
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Change in skin sensation
• Skin discoloration or swelling
• Asymmetry
• Pain, which may persist
• Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs, and abdominal organs
• Poor wound healing
• Persistent swelling in the legs
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Possibility of revisional surgery

Now what?

Dr. Ryan Diederich is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in a range of aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedures at MidAmerica Plastic Surgery in Glen Carbon, IL. If you’re looking for a plastic surgeon east of St. Louis, you can schedule a consultation online, or call us at (618) 288-7855 to schedule an appointment.

*This article is intended as a guideline only. This is not intended as medical advice. There are no guarantees written or implied from the information presented here. Only a consultation can provide an appropriate evaluation and discussion regarding any procedure. Refer to your physician for medical decision making and advice.