A lipotransfer is a surgical procedure that takes fat from one part of the body β€” through liposuction β€” and then moves it to another area of the body to restore volume. Many individuals will have donor fat taken from their stomach and transferred to their face to restore lost volume due to aging.

What Is the Process Like During Lipotransfer?
To begin the process, you will be given general anesthesia or sedation. You will have liposuction to remove the excess fat that will be purified and inserted into the targeted area. One advantage of lipotransfer is that since it uses your body’s own fat, there is little to no chance that you will have an adverse reaction to the procedure. The procedure takes about two to three hours to complete and is usually performed on an outpatient basis.

Who are Ideal Candidates for Lipotransfer?
Ideal candidates will typically be between the ages of 30 and 65, in good health, and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure. In addition, it is also important that an individual has enough donor fat to perform the procedure.

Ideal candidates will typically want one or more of the following results:

  • Smoother laugh lines
  • Plumper lips
  • Fuller cheeks

If you are planning on losing or gaining weight, you may need to wait to have a lipotransfer until you have achieved your desired weight. This is because the process uses your body’s own fat, which means weight fluctuations can influence the results.

How to Prepare for a Lipotransfer
It is important to refrain from taking any medications that can increase bleeding for a few weeks prior to the procedure. Some of these medications include aspirin, Advil, and Motrin. You should also stop smoking for a few weeks before lipotransfer because it can slow the healing process.

Recovery After Lipotransfer
After the procedure, you will need to rest for a couple of weeks. The recovery time is faster than other procedures because it is minimally-invasive. The only incisions that are made during lipotransfer is during the liposuction process. You will be given antibiotics to prevent an infection, and you will also be given medication to reduce swelling. You may be advised to wait a few days after the procedure before you take a shower, and you could possibly have to wear compression garments for a few months.

If you are interested in this procedure, contact the knowledgeable team at Smith Facial Plastics today to schedule your consultation! We are conveniently located in Gahanna, Ohio.