Most of us aren’t fans of our fat, but maybe it will help a bit to know that fat serves a very important function in our bodies. It might also interest you to know that it can be used for good!
Why Do We Have Fat?
Having too much fat is unhealthy – it can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, and even cancer. So why do our bodies make fat? It turns out that fat stores energy and protects our organs, and it may be an important part of our evolution, as researchers have discovered that when early humans started accumulating fat, their brains started growing.
All of this may be of little comfort if you believe you have too much fat, but the good news is that your fat can be used to help you achieve your cosmetic goals. The procedure is called a “fat transfer,” and it involves taking fat from one area of the body where it is unwanted, such as the thighs or the lower stomach. It is removed in a procedure similar to liposuction, then it is purified and injected into another part of the body where more volume is wanted, such as the face or the breasts. Many patients prefer a fat transfer to fillers such as JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® because of the procedure’s many benefits:
- It is permanent. Although some fat may be lost after it has been injected, the majority of it will stay there for good.
- It is safe. You don’t have to worry about having a bad reaction to the procedure because it is your own fat.
- It comes with few side effects. You may have some bruising, swelling, and discomfort at the site where the fat was removed, but these side effects should be mild and should only last for a few days.
Fat is mostly unwanted – but it does serve its purpose, and if it is used right it can provide contour and enhancement in all the right places. If you are interested in a fat transfer procedure, contact the office of David Bogue Plastic Surgery in Boca Raton, Florida, for a consultation. Call 561-886-1000 today!